Rudy Gobert Bids Adieu To Tony Parker Upon Retirement
Jun 10, 2019, 6:15 PM
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Longtime NBA point guard Tony Parker announced his retirement from basketball and his fellow countryman, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, wished him well on social media.
The two played together multiple times while representing their native France, although Parker was technically born in Belgium, he maintains French citizenship.
In a post on Twitter, Gobert stated his appreciation for his friend in a remark written in French.
Merci Tony, pour avoir montré au monde entier mais surtout à nous, et à toutes les jeunes générations, que rien n’est impossible. Tu nous a montré la voie, et ouvert des portes qui n’avaient jamais été ouvertes auparavant. Je te souhaite le meilleur pour la suite ✊🏽🇫🇷. #MerciTony pic.twitter.com/mnXDvyZnxB
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) June 10, 2019
According to Google Translate, Gobert’s words translated thusly in English: “Thank you Tony, for showing the world, but especially to us, and all the younger generations, that nothing is impossible. You showed us the way, and opened doors that had never been opened before. I wish you the best for the future.”
With news of his retirement, Parker will likely remembered as one of the greatest European-born players in NBA history. In 18 seasons, 17 of which he played with the San Antonio Spurs, Parker won four NBA Championships, was a six-time All-Star and won Finals MVP once. He wrapped up his career by playing one season with the Charlotte Hornets.
🇺🇸 It’s with a lot of emotion that I retire from basketball, it was an incredible journey! Even in my wildest dreams, I never thought I would live all those unbelievable moments with the NBA and the French National Team.
Thank you for everything! https://t.co/YKqTlnkG90— Tony Parker (@tonyparker) June 10, 2019