Rudy Fernandez: Spain basketball great makes shocking announcement ahead of Paris Olympics

Spain's most capped basketball player, Rudy Fernandez, announced on Thursday his decision to retire at the end of the season, marking the end of a remarkable journey in the world of basketball. 

The Real Madrid guard/forward aims to make his final appearance at the upcoming Paris Olympics, provided Spain secures qualification this summer.

"The word retirement is difficult to say, but I've reached a certain age and I'm starting to think about other things, about my family," Fernandez expressed during a news conference on his 39th birthday. 

His career, which began two decades ago with his Spanish league debut for Badalona, has been nothing short of stellar. 

Fernandez’s contributions have been instrumental in securing two World Cups, four European triumphs, and two Olympic silver medals for Spain, alongside winning six Spanish championships and three EuroLeagues with Real Madrid.

Fernandez's reputation as an impressive three-point shooter placed him as a central figure in Spain's golden generation of basketball, alongside the legendary Gasol brothers and Ricky Rubio, the former Memphis Grizzlies point guard. 

With 250 appearances for his country, Fernandez's commitment to his national team has been unwavering.

The announcement comes with an emotional promise to his late father, that the Paris Olympics would mark his final tournament, echoing a dream that began two decades earlier at the 2004 Athens Games.

 "I still have to fulfil the dream my father had (for me) of playing in another Olympic Games," Fernandez shared, adding a poignant note to his impending retirement.

Over 16 seasons with Real Madrid, Fernandez has made over 700 appearances and clinched 27 titles, earning numerous individual awards along the way.

His retirement will not only mark the end of an era for Real Madrid but also for Spanish basketball where he has left an indelible mark.

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