Sergio Scariolo, the head coach of the Spanish national basketball team, has extended a message of support to Ricky Rubio following his decision to take a break from basketball for the sake of his mental health.
Rubio conveyed his intentions through an official statement, expressing gratitude to everyone for their understanding during this challenging period:
Sergio Scariolo sulla decisione di Ricky Rubio:
— OverTime Storie a Spicchi (@StorieASpicchi) August 5, 2023
"Ne #LaFamilia, le persone sono sempre venute prima dei risultati. Tutto il mio amore e sostegno per Ricky, e la mia ammirazione per la sua trasparenza e attraverso essa la sua capacità, ancora una volta, di dare l'esempio". pic.twitter.com/Uzl9mEZkLS
“I have decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health. I want to thank the Spanish Federation (FEB) for all the support I have received. They understood my decision. Today #LaFamilia makes more sense than ever. Thank you.
I would ask that my privacy be respected so that I can face these moments and be able to give more information when the time is right”.
Rubio’s decision to temporarily step away from the sport has garnered unwavering support from his fellow national team members. Sergio Scariolo, the coach of the Spanish squad, also took to social media to offer his encouragement:
“In La Familia, people have always come before results. All my love and support to Ricky, and my admiration for his transparency and, through it, his ability once again to lead by example,” Scariolo wrote on social media.
He started his career at Joventut and later joined Barça from 2009 to 2011, where he was part of the squad that won the 2010 Euroleague in Paris. Rubio then moved to the NBA in the summer of 2011, playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers during his twelve seasons in the league.