The NBA will be one legend short this season. San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili announced on Monday that he is retiring from the game of basketball after 23 professional seasons, the last 16 of which came with the Spurs.
“Today, with a wide range of feelings, I’m announcing my retirement from basketball. IMMENSE GRATITUDE to everyone,” Ginobili wrote on Twitter. “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
The Spurs had been hopeful that Ginobili would want to return for a 17th season and allowed him to take all the time he needed to decide, league sources had told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The team thanked Ginobili in a tweet and video Monday.
#GraciasManu por todo! pic.twitter.com/8252qgCmvi
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) August 27, 2018
“A role model for all of us that love this wonderful sport,” Spurs forward Pau Gasol said.
The NBA was always a more fun and interesting place with Ginobili around. Congrats to him on a spectacular career.
