Marcelinho Huertas concludes his time in Tenerife heading to Dubai

The Brazilian point guard Marcelinho Huertas experienced an emotional farewell this Wednesday at the Santiago Martín pavilion in La Laguna Tenerife. Together with the club president, Aniano Cabrera, he took part in an act filled with emotion, where both could not hold back their tears. Huertas read a prepared speech for the occasion, reflecting on a decision he described as one of the most complicated of his extensive professional career.

A difficult but considered decision

During his speech, the point guard acknowledged that he had received other opportunities over the years, but always found reasons to stay with the Canary entity. "But I always found reasons to stay because I felt there were things left to do," he explained according to El Día. Huertas emphasized that it was never him who sought to leave the project: "I never asked to leave; it was I who went to the club to ask for a renewal for many reasons."

This stance reflects the player's commitment to La Laguna Tenerife, where he has left a deep mark in almost eight years of dedication. Renewal was his natural priority, but the opportunity in Dubai Basketball under the direction of Xavi Pascual changed the scenario.

Unwavering ambition in the new project

Regarding his signing by the Emirati team, Huertas expressed his winner's mentality unequivocally: "Every time I step onto a court, I do it to win. And although only one team ultimately wins, this ambition must be the same, and this time it will be no different." This statement summarizes the competitive philosophy that has characterized his long professional career, even at 43 years old.

The Brazilian also had farewell words for teammates, coaches, and club staff: "No one could have imagined the beautiful story we have been able to build. We have celebrated and risen together." These words highlight the emotional connection created during his time in the Canaries, marked by shared joys and moments of overcoming.

For the Tenerife fans, Huertas reserved a special acknowledgment: he considered the support of the followers as "one of the greatest gifts of my career." This gesture demonstrates the importance of public support in his experience with the aurinegros.

The perspective of the Canary club

Aniano Cabrera, president of La Laguna Tenerife, admitted that the news came unexpectedly, although he understood the player's excitement regarding the proposal. "When he came, he came to retire, and it's been almost eight years. I hold on to everything he has given us and the fact that I saw Marcelinho play," declared the leader, reflecting a certain resignation to the inevitability of the decision.

Cabrera's words underscore the impact Huertas has had on the institution. His arrival was conceived as the culmination of a glorious career, but it ended up becoming an extended chapter that significantly enriched the Canary project.

A career of exceptional dimensions

Throughout his career, Marcelinho Huertas has accumulated achievements that place him among the great names in international basketball. He played 76 games in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers, an experience that few Latin American players have had. In the top-level European competition, the Euroleague, he has participated in 228 games, establishing himself as a reference in the continental tournament.

In the Spanish ACB, Huertas is the only foreign player to have reached 20 seasons of participation, a milestone that underscores his longevity and adaptation to Spanish basketball. Just over a week ago, he became the third player with the most games played in the Endesa League, a recognition of his consistency and dedication over the decades.

Reunion with Xavi Pascual in Dubai

In his new destination, Huertas will reunite with Xavi Pascual, who was his coach during his time at FC Barcelona. Dubai Basketball, an Euroleague team, currently has a record of seven wins and three losses in the continental competition. This project represents an opportunity for the Brazilian point guard to continue competing at the highest European level under the direction of a coach he has already successfully worked with.

Huertas' signing with the Emirati team for the next two seasons reflects the trust he has in his ability to continue adding value in the Euroleague. Despite his age, the player maintains the conviction that he can compete and contribute significantly in a highly demanding tournament.

His last game with the aurinegra jersey of La Laguna Tenerife will be on Saturday, November 14, in matchday 8 of the Endesa League, against MoraBanc Andorra. This match, scheduled for 7:30 PM, will serve as a symbolic closure to a stage that has left indelible memories in the history of the Canary club. Huertas did not travel with the team to Lithuania for the Eurocup match against Siauliai, thus confirming his immediate departure from the club.

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