By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
After three medal, a gold in Athens Olympics, a bronze in Beijing Olympics and a silver in the 2002 FIBA World Cup, not only Manu Ginobili, but also his teammate since 1999 Andres Nocioni said goodbye to the national team.
For the 39 years old Ginobili who returned after four years to the Argentinian national team that was a given and when he was subtituted in the end of the game, it was obvious that this was the end of the road. The basketball icon of Argentina hugged every one on the bench and tried to fight back his tears.
Gracias Manu! pic.twitter.com/PbzwCi9t6D
— CABB (@cabboficial) 17 Αυγούστου 2016
A little bit later Nocioni announced his decision, speaking to the press: “This is my last game in the national team and no turning back I gave everything, it has been a pleasure. I never dreamed not even of playing in the team and I played in four Olympic Games. It’s unbelievable. I still can’t believe it’s true. It’s the last game we played together. At some point it had to end … We enjoyed this last tournament being together”.
On the contrary, captain Luis Scola explained that he is not going to retire yet: “Life goes on, the national team goes on. Whoever retired, he retired. We leave calm with our head high.”.
#Rio2016 Scola: "La vida sigue, el básquet sigue y la Selección sigue, se retire quien se retire. Nos vamos tranquilos, con la frente alta".
— Julian Mozo (@JulianMozo) 17 Αυγούστου 2016