By Javier Molero/ jmolero@eurohoops.net
Achille Polonara announces his retirement from professional basketball. The Italian player confirmed on Monday, May 4th, that he is ending his playing career:
“I gave it a shot, resuming individual training, but I realize it’s time to call it quits on competitive basketball because I’ll never be the player I once was, and I want you to remember me for who I was!! I’ll miss you, basketball.”
In October 2023, Polonara underwent surgery to remove a testicular cancer, returning to the court after two months. In June 2025, he was diagnosed with myeloid leukemia. He has continued to recover over the past year, but has not been able to return to the court.
Polonara has played for Euroleague teams such as Baskonia, Fenerbahçe, Anadolu Efes, Zalgiris Kaunas and Virtus Bologna, among others.