Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio announced his retirement from the NBA on Thursday after 12 seasons in the league.

Ricky Rubio has announced his retirement from the NBA Thursday after 12 seasons in the league.

“I wanted to break the news today as my NBA career has come to an end.” In X wrote the Spanish point guard.

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— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) January 4, 2024

The statement Young blondewho from afar Cleveland Cavaliers It comes shortly after ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported an agreement between the franchise and the Spaniard to terminate his contract to address his mental health.

During summer, Young blondeThe 33-year-old's agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, warned Cavaliers president of basketball operations Kobe Altman of his need to step away to address those mental health issues. The Cavaliers obliged, but discussions have moved toward one in recent weeks purchase is acceptable Even in the NBA, it became clear Rubio wasn't looking forward to playing for the Cavaliers.Again, sources said.

Young blonde He missed most of the last two seasons recovering from an ACL tear, the second of his career. Rubio played in 33 games a year ago, joined the team midseason and averaged 5.2 points and 3.5 assists.

Young blonde He played professional basketball in Spain as a teenager He became the youngest player in the history of the prestigious Spanish ACB league At the age of 14. Rubio was the fifth overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. He played the first six years of his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns and Cavaliers.

Throughout his career, Rubio averaged 10.8 points and 7.4 assistsand earned a reputation as a favorite teammate of many star players, including Kevin Love and Donovan Mitchell.

With information from Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN and Agencia EFE