By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
France fell to Finland in Espoo in the second round of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
However, the game carried special significance for one French player — Andrew Albicy made his last appearance for the national team.
Albicy had announced before the start of the FIBA window that he would retire from Les Bleus, and he admitted it was emotional to play his final game in Finland, especially with his family in attendance.
“Yeah, for sure it was emotional. Especially because my family was there, but I tried to stay focused on getting the win. Now that it’s finished, the emotion is still there, but I’m good. It was the right moment for me to retire, and I know the new generations will do a great job,” Albicy said.
The Gran Canaria guard also reflected on the game itself.
“We started well defensively, just how we prepared, but we allowed some easy things that gave them confidence, and in the end they kept scoring and scoring. We knew it would be a difficult game. I’m a little disappointed we lost because I thought we had it, but that’s basketball.”
The 35-year-old Andrew Albicy leaves the national team after a decorated international career, winning two Olympic silver medals, one FIBA World Cup bronze, and two EuroBasket silver medals, while making a total of 110 appearances for France.