Heartbreaking goodbye to Scola: tears, applause and endless respect / News

With Argentine defender Nicolás Laprovittola winning a non-sports foul late in the fourth quarter, the break at the Saitama Super arena lasted longer than usual.

The strategist of the South American team Sergio Hernández removed Juan Vaulet, 25, from the bench, who stepped onto the pitch to replace Luis Scola, who played his last game with the Argentine jersey.

The 41-year-old world star has embraced Argentine men. coach and marched to the bench.

At the moment, the Saitama Super Stadium was not indifferent: the players on and off the field, the accredited people in the stands, applauded.

Sitting in a chair, Scola did not hold back her tears and raised her hand to thank the infinite respect shown.

“It was a very emotional moment that I did not expect,” Scola said at a news conference. – I didn’t think about it much before, I tried to distance myself from him because I was focused on victory.

For me it was a special moment and I really appreciate the Australian team, as well as the way everyone expressed their support, hugs with everyone on the field … Very nice recognition. I am very happy and enjoyed it. “

“Thanks to Luis I learned to respect life,” said the Argentine national team strategist. – Everything is based not only on skills, but also on work. Beating the other team is not everything. That’s what I got from Louis.

He wanted to play until the last second, he would tend to play those last 40 seconds on defense instead of hearing the applause. Louis respected life, he motivated the whole world. That is his legacy. “

Gold Scola in 2004 The Argentine Olympic team withdrew last. For him, it was the fifth Olympiad, in which the veteran played an average of 27 minutes in four games, scored 16.5 points and bounced 5 balls.

“How much emotion these applause transmit! – Scola’s golden partner, Manu Ginobili, responded on Twitter. – Thank you Luis for learning a lot and always being an example. A great companion. I clap my hands and stand up! “

The farewell game blew legend: the team in the 59:97 quarterfinals remained powerless against the Australian basketball players, and the striker hit 3 shots out of 10 in 25 minutes of the game, scoring 7 points and 4 balls.

After the final siren sounded, Scola plunged into a sea of ​​hugs and with Australian players and coaches. The accent of the only moment of life became a soccer ball for the basketball player.

“That was the least we could do for Louis,” Australian star Patty Mills said of the farewell. – This situation is one of those in which you feel a lump in your throat. We always talk about how great a basketball player he is, but as a person he is even more so. Family man. We wish him all the best in the next stage of his life. “

Among the many trophies won with the national team on Scola’s shelf are Olympic gold and bronze medals, two World Championship silver medals, American Cup gold, silver and bronze medals, as well as American Games gold. , gold and bronze from the Diamond Ball competition.

Scola also revealed that the last game of the Olympics will likely mark the end of his professional sports career.

“I’m 41 years old and I probably won’t play anymore,” Scola said. – I don’t think I have enough energy to complete things at the level I want to play. It’s a matter of time, but I probably won’t play again. “

2020-2021 Representing Varese’s Openjob Year this season, the forward scored an average of 17.8 points and was the third most productive player in the Italian championship.

“It was fun,” Scola said when asked about leaving the national team on the same day as the Gasol brothers. – Now is the time to show new faces. It is time for us to retire. “