“The mentality of Spanish sport has evolved and is now more ambitious”

2023-09-18 14:07:27

MADRID, 18 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –

Former basketball player Pau Gasol highlighted that the mentality in Spanish sport “has evolved” and is now “more ambitious”, which is why the “big countries” are asking themselves “what is the secret ingredient” to be in the battle for the triumphs in many disciplines, at the same time that he assured that the generational change in the basketball team is “irremediable” to continue “up”.

“The big countries ask themselves ‘why Spain? What is happening in Spain? What is the secret ingredient, the formula?’ “There is a good system where new talents come out, good athletes. The mentality has also been evolving, it is more ambitious, not having any complexes, also of work and dedication,” Gasol assessed about the current moment of Spanish sport, as host of the Solidarity Tournament of Golf organized this Monday by Banco Santander and the ‘Gasol Foundation’.

After Carlos Sainz’s (Ferrari) victory in the Singapore GP, the former player emphasized the “work” and “great effort” involved in being in the fight for victories, in any discipline. “And I think that the success of some has infected the success of others,” he analyzed, regarding the current health of Spanish sport.

Regarding Mundobasket completed by Spain, which fell in the second phase, Gasol guaranteed an “irremediable” generational change that “already exists.” “Our team has had great successes after some of us have retired, like the Eurobasket last year, the World Cup in 2019. This year it couldn’t be, but I am sure that in this team we have great players, a good identity , a good culture, involvement and we will be at the top for sure,” he predicted.

At that World Cup there was no Ricky Rubio who decided to stop to take care of his mental health, “a very personal decision” and one that Gasol supports “one hundred percent.” “Mental health is as important as physical health. It is a moment of support, of being there, of giving him time, of allowing him to work with whoever he has to work with and hopefully we can see him, above all, happy. If he continues playing, wonderful, and if he focuses on his family and other challenges, wonderful,” he reflected.

Before his retirement, Gasol left an exhibition against France in the quarterfinals of the 2015 Eurobasket, a duel in which he scored 40 points. And this Sunday marked eight years of “a memorable match.” “A very nice moment, special to live. You want to do it as best as possible, you are faced with an opportunity, against a rival who you have had many battles against, who eliminated you in the previous one. That thorn was stuck as a team and everything worked out very good,” he recalled.

“NADAL WANTS TO COME BACK AND WAGE WAR”

Gasol shared the golf course this Monday with the Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal, who is still immersed in his recovery process after a year without competing. “He is very excited to return and be able to enjoy the next season. He will finish when his career is, in the best possible way and, above all, enjoying the track after so many years. I see him eager, working to return to the circuit, to fight and be able to continue giving us joy,” the former player updated.

Precisely, he confessed that on the ‘green’ there is “healthy competition” with the Balearic player, to “have a good time”, also for a good cause.” “Very happy, enjoying watching him play at a higher level, he has been playing for many years. It is a joy, also to raise funds for our foundation and continue in this fight for the prevention of childhood obesity,” he highlighted.

“Golf gives you many things, it presents you with a different challenge, in the end it is you, the clubs and the ball that is still, and it is also a reflection of your emotional state. It has been very good for me mentally at this moment of transition. It can be very competitive, very friendly and very relaxed, but it gives you many things, it has hooked me,” he concluded.