Álex Abrines, Spanish international and Barcelona player Until this summer, he has announced by surprise his withdrawal as a professional player, after taking some time of personal reflection at the end of the season and giving up representing Spain in the following Eurobasket. The captain of Barça says goodbye to the tracks after 10 seasons in the Barca team in two stages (2012-16 and 2019-2025), with a total of 660 games played and 15 titles achieved (seven in the first stage and eight in the second).
The Mallorcan had a contract until June 30, 2026, but after cordial conversations with the club, they have reached an agreement to end the relationship that linked to both parties. In a letter addressed to Barça fans and basketball in general, Abrines says that “the time has come to say goodbye.” «After an intense professional life in which I have burned very fast stages, it is time to live the life I want to live, to choose my path. And this is none other than wanting to spend more time with my family and mine. Basketball and, in this case Barça, have given me everything, ”says the former 31 -year -old player.
Abrines and “the time of saying goodbye”
«The magic of the Palau, and I write it in capital letters Because I feel like that, it is the one that has made us great, the one that has made us win titles, which has caused spectacular comebacks, which has made me excite many times. You, dragons, Meritxell, Sang culé and the rest of the groups and hobby will always be part of my imaginary, because with you I have also become older and over time I have known how Catalan and 16 of Supercopa.
Álex Abrines arrived at Barça from Unicaja When he was only 18 and, quickly becoming one of the most beloved players, he won seven titles (the 2013/14 League, the 2012/13 Cup, the 2015 Super Cup and the Catalan Leagues 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016). Then he crossed the puddle to play in the NBA, specifically three seasons in the Oklahoma City Thunder. In February of 2019 suffered personal problems And he spent a few months without competing. Some time later, the player said he lived moments of Depression and anxiety in the NBAepisodes similar to those commented on Ricky Rubio, one of his generation partners with whom he has shared several successes and has now announced his return to basketball recently to play with the Joventut.
Álex Abrines has also been important in the Spanish basketball team, highlighting for its exterior shooting capacity and tactical discipline. From his first steps in the lower categories, he already pointed out: it was U-18 European Champion in 2011, being also chosen MVP of the tournamentand a year later he added a bronze in the European U-20. His talent also led him to consolidate himself in the absolute selection, where he has played key roles, both as a lethal shooter from the perimeter and in defensive work, thanks to his physique and knowledge of the game.
In his record with the absolute selection they stand out Two important medals: the bronze in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and another bronze in the 2017 Eurobasket. Throughout its passage through the national team, Abrines played 63 international matches and became a reference of the generation that kept Spain in the elite of world basketball after the successes of the “golden generation.”
