San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili is ending his NBA career. The 41-year old guard announced the decision on Monday, via post on Twitter.
“Today, with a wide range of feelings, I’m announcing my retirement from basketball.” – wrote Ginobili. “IMMENSE GRATITUDE to everyone (family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff, fans) involved in my life in the last 23 years. It’s been a fabulous journey. Way beyond my wildest dreams.“
Today, with a wide range of feelings, I'm announcing my retirement from basketball. IMMENSE GRATITUDE to everyone (family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff, fans) involved in my life in the last 23 years. It's been a fabulous journey. Way beyond my wildest dreams. pic.twitter.com/3MLCUtmd6K
— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) August 27, 2018
ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski reported last week that Ginobili was considering retirement and will make his final decision after a meeting with Spurs’ head coach Gregg Popovich. During that time, he was working out regularly at the Spurs’ practice facility. Spurs were hoping that Ginobili might return for one more season, especially since he had a year left on his deal.
#GraciasManu por todo! pic.twitter.com/8252qgCmvi
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) August 27, 2018
Manu Ginobili started his professional basketball career in his native Argentina, before coming to Italy in 1998. In 1999 he was drafted 57th overall by the San Antonio Spurs, but joined the team three years later.
Ginobili went on to play 16 seasons in NBA for the Spurs, winning four NBA titles during that period. Over the course of his time in the league, he averaged 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
