Hamed Haddadi retires from the national team of Iran

2023-09-03T04:58:09+00:00 2023-09-03T04:58:09+00:00.

Aris Barkas

03/Sep/23 04:58

Eurohoops.net

Iranian icon Hamed Haddadi calls it a day in international basketball after a two-decades long career

By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net

After the classification game against Lebanon, Iranian basketball legend Hamed Haddadi announced his retirement from international play.

The 38-year-old center had 14 points and eight rebounds in what was the last contest of a long career that included among other accolades playing in two Olympic Games.

“I have had a long career with the national team since the 2000s,” Haddadi said after his last game. “I try to play when I can even if I’m out of shape. I feel good but upset too because I leave my team”.

Haddadi thanked his doctors for his longevity: “I want to give a special thank you to my doctor here who has been with me for more than 10 years. Thank you for pushing me even if I already want to quit. I wish the best for the national team. We have talent but must be patient if they need anything. I am here to help”.

After this tournament, Haddadi entered the top-five for blocks in World Cup history with 31 rejections.

“It is time for the young generation. They need to get more time and more experience with more game-time”.

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