Álex Abrines announces his retirement: here are the reasons

Álex Abrines announced on Tuesday, July 22, his retirement from professional basketball. The 31-year-old player has decided to end his career after completing his last season as captain at Barça. The shooting guard, born in Palma de Mallorca, explained in a post on his social networks that it is a difficult but well-thought-out decision, stating that he is leaving "with a full heart and a peaceful conscience."

Throughout his career, Abrines achieved an outstanding record both with club teams and the Spanish national team. He won three Liga Endesa titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, a Super Cup, Olympic bronze at the 2016 Rio Games, and bronze at EuroBasket 2017. He was also crowned champion and MVP of the EuroBasket U18 in 2011. Abrines was named to the Rising Star quintet in the EuroLeague and twice as the best young player in the ACB. On club level, he played for Palma Air Europa, Unicaja, FC Barcelona, and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA, where he played from 2016 to 2019 before returning to the Catalan team.

"Dear fans:

The time has come to close a very important chapter of my life.

After many years dedicated to professional basketball, I have made the difficult decision to retire.

It was not an easy choice, but a thoughtful one.

Basketball has given me everything: unforgettable experiences, friends who are now family, moments of glory, setbacks, learnings... and, above all, the unconditional love from all of you.

From my beginnings in Mallorca, passing through Malaga, Barcelona, my time in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and of course, my return home to Barça, I have lived a dream.

I also had the privilege of representing the Spanish National Team, something I will always carry with immense pride.

Every jersey I wore felt like an extension of myself, and I gave my absolute best in every training session and every game.

This journey would not have been possible without the support of many people: coaches, teammates, medical staff...

But above all, you, the fans.

Thank you for every applause, every message, every show of support, even in the toughest moments.

You have held me up more times than you can imagine.

I leave with peace of mind, a full heart, and a clear conscience.

Basketball will continue to be a part of my life, but now it's time to be with family and enjoy a new chapter.

Thank you for always being by my side.

Thank you for accompanying me on this journey.

With all my love,
Álex Abrines»

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Álex Abrines anuncia su retirada: aquí los motivos