Sergio Llull Announces Retirement from Spanish National Basketball Team
A Celebrated Career Concludes
Sergio Llull, start of the most illustrious players in Spanish basketball history, announced his retirement from the national team at the age of 37. The announcement took place during an emotional ceremony held at the Spanish Basketball Federation Museum, surrounded by his family, teammates from the national team and Real Madrid, as well as numerous current and former stars.
Record of Accomplishments
Llull concluded his international career with an impressive record of 173 appearances and seven medals, including:
- Three golds at the European Championships (2009, 2011, 2015)
- Gold in the FIBA World Cup (2019)
- Silver at the London 2012 Olympics
- Two bronzes at the Rio 2016 Olympics and the 2013 European Championships
He ranks as the 15th player in the history of the Spanish national team in terms of appearances.
Emotional Farewell
Starting his speech with a humorous note, Llull said, “I’m nervous; I would prefer to have the ball in my hands with six seconds left to play.” He reflected on the honor of representing his country every summer, describing his journey with the team as an “incredible adventure” where he “gave it his all.”
Legacy and Transition
Llull’s retirement marks the end of a golden era for Spanish basketball, a period that elevated Spain to global prominence in the sport. He was the last remaining player from the squad that claimed gold at the 2009 European Championship in Poland, where he made his debut.
Despite stepping down from the national team, Llull will continue to play for Real Madrid, where he serves as captain. He is expected to remain a key player for the team in the upcoming season and continues to be start of the most experienced athletes in European basketball.
Sergio Llull’s contributions to the game and his remarkable career are set to be remembered for years to come