By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Although there were already reports that Manu Ginobili is pondering retirement, the actual tweet with which the legendary Argentinian player announced that he won’t play basketball anymore still came as a shock to the world of hoops.
And, as you can easily imagine, the players’ reactions were plenty and quite varied. Teammates, opponents or simply players who admired the unique style of the great Manu expressed their emotions and thoughts regarding the retirement of one of the most special players of the 21st century.
Dirk Nowitzki praised Ginobili’s famous competitive playing style and the winning spirit that helped propel the Spurs towards four NBA rings since Manu arrived.
Congrats @manuginobili on an amazing career. Great player. Fierce competitor. Winner. Next stop: HOF
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) August 27, 2018
“A role model”. Fortunate to have shared locker room with you,” wrote Pau Gasol.
THANK YOU for absolutely everything you have done for basketball. A role model for all of us that love this wonderful sport. Fortunate to have shared locker room with you the last 2 years.#GraciasManu pic.twitter.com/HBJDvjIw2j
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) August 27, 2018
It’s quite possible that Orlando Magic wing Evan Fournier let out a scream while tweeting this.
Ugly cry ???? https://t.co/SZ2CTiLvAA
— Evan Fournier (@EvanFourmizz) August 27, 2018
… while Fournier’s former teammate and current New York Knicks player Mario Hezonja gave his farewell with what is probably an inside joke between him and Manu.
LEGEND. So much respect for you! Wish you the best in life after basketball @manuginobili ! Still using e-mail with your name. ??? https://t.co/PqZHZKq4kT
— Mario Hezonja (@mariohezonja) August 27, 2018
You can probably count Turkish wing Cedi Osman among those who grew up watching Ginobili Manu play and got inspired by the Argentinian’s game.
End of an era. One of the greatest. Thank you for all you’ve done. The game will miss u! https://t.co/UTybV6V2sY
— Cedi Osman (@cediosman) August 27, 2018
Luka Doncic will embark on his rookie NBA season with the Dallas Mavericks and would have a chance to face Manu Ginobili if not for the latter’s retirement. His opinion is simple: “LEGEND”.
Just one word would describe Manu!! #LEGEND … thanks for everything!!!???? @manuginobili pic.twitter.com/frtBj5Jv23
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) August 27, 2018
Rudy Gobert, on the other hand, faced Ginobili something that he considers a “real honor.”
It’s a real honor to have competed against you, @manuginobili ! The definition of a winner ! #GraciasManu pic.twitter.com/dkIlk0y13c
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) August 27, 2018
Fenerbahce forward Gigi Datome kept it simple…
Ginobili ?❤️
— Gigi Datome (@GigiDatome) August 27, 2018
… and Real Madrid guard Facu Campazzo took it to an “NSFW” level. Not surprising since Ginobili is nothing less than an icon for every Argentinian player.
Que día triste la Puta madre….
— Facu Campazzo (@facucampazzo) August 27, 2018
“Damn it,” tweeted Fabien Causeur together with one of Manu’s top highlight plays.
Putain j’ai maaaaaaal ??? pic.twitter.com/FnKjRCFE6c
— Fabien Causeur (@FCauseur1) August 27, 2018
“Thank you” by Charlotte Hornets center Willy Hernangomez.
GRACIAS!!! ?? @manuginobili @NBA https://t.co/gUz7mDHC7x
— Willy Hernangómez (@willyhg94) August 27, 2018