TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Spanish basketball legend Pau Gasol may have announced his retirement from the international game after 20 years playing for his country in the wake of Spain's quarterfinal defeat to the USA on Tuesday, but he seems reluctant to end his playing career.
The 41-year-old had come consolation on missing out on a fourth Olympic Medal when he was elected to the International Olympic Committee's Athletes Commission shortly after Tuesday's defeat.
Speaking to Eurosport a day later, he admitted he could continue playing.
"We'll see if I retire or not from playing. I'll decide that later, for now I have to digest everything I'm experiencing," said Gasol.
In his two-decades playing for Spain Gasol has won a World Championship gold, two Olympic silvers and a bronze, three European Championship golds, along with two silvers and a bronze.
"I can't think about my career without my participation, commitment and journey with the national team. It has made me feel things and live such special moments that will stay with me forever," he said.
The power forward had to battle back from a serious foot injury and Gasol spent the second half of the season back at FC Barcelona, where he started his career, in order to find match fitness.
"Being able to reach the Games has been extraordinary. I would have liked to finish better, for myself and for my teammates, the team, the fans and the country, but it could not be… but that does not take away the satisfaction, pride and happiness of having been here and having fought," he explained.
Now Barca fans will cross their fingers Gasol decides to have one last season with them before finally retiring. Enditem
