ARG - Disillusioned Hugo prepares to quit

BUENOS AIRES (National team) - Argentina’s Olympic gold medal-winning basketball player Hugo Sconochini looks set to quit at 35.

"I do not have the desire to continue playing," said Sconochini, who has not played since parting company with Lottomatica Roma six months ago.

He told Ole newspaper: "I will not close the door because maybe I will return, but for the moment, I do not want to continue playing.

"I have had some offers but nothing really interesting. I spent so much time thinking that in the end the teams signed other players.

"But I did not really want them and I am not enjoying myself as I was two years ago."

Sconochini has concerns over the way the game is going.

"Today’s basketball is not the same as the game I loved when I was a boy. There are lots of feuds and jealousy in the European teams and players try and disrupt other players stats and the coaches have lots of power. Those things can destroy a player."

Sconochini admits his motivation is gone, saying: "I have not played with the ball for six months, I do not go to the gym, I am in a bad physical condition. I have not been to watch Roma or Milano - I do nothing."

He has previously said he would like to finish his career with Boca Juniors but now he said: "It was true but I cannot now. My daughter has a health problem and I have to be there (in Italy), with my family."

Despite his disillusionment, Sconochini has fond memories of playing with the national side.

"It is different," he said. "We (the players) play for the love of the shirt and for glory - not for money."

PA Sport