The last dance, Datome , was given in Manila. With his favorite shirt, that of the national team, worn for the 203rd time (tenth ever) against Luka Doncic's Slovenia. Gigi, the strongest Sardinian to have ever played basketball, leaves basketball after a stellar career, which began in the youth teams of Santa Croce Olbia , enriched by the European success with Fenerbahce and the double experience overseas with the shirts of Detroit and Boston, and ended as a winner, in Milan.

Then, after an exceptional World Cup (with the highest peak reached with the victory over Serbia), the farewell: «This was one of the most beautiful summers of my life» , says Datome at the end of the match, after the standing ovation received at 3 :36 from the end. « I leave without regrets and I am convinced of my choice. Tonight everything was going well, then I got emotional during the national anthem and couldn't take it. I thank everyone for the affection shown to me, from my teammates, to Poz, to the staff and tonight also to my opponents who stopped to applaud me."

Then, the handover: «We tried to win to finish better but I am very proud of what this group has achieved by entering the top eight teams in the world. Now", continues the Olbia native, "I will have more time to dedicate to what really matters in life, that is, what is outside the pitch. One of my greatest fortunes was having a true friend like Nicolò Melli as a companion . He has already been captain for some time. He is a leader and deserves it. This team has shown that it can compete at a high level and I am sure that the boys can still improve. It was an honor ."

An extraordinary journey, that of Datome in the world of basketball, on and off the court. The applause also goes to the Italian coach, Gianmarco Pozzecco : « Gigi is a legend , I repeat it once again. And I'm very lucky to be here. I thank him for what he did and I will never forget it. Everyone can choose the ways in which to achieve their goals. Gigi chose to be an exemplary person. It's unique ."

(Unioneonline/L.Ne.)

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