ARG - Monteccia rules out retirement

CORRIENTES (Liga Nacional) - Regatas Corrientes star Alejandro Montecchia has ruled out early retirement despite being sidelined for six months with a ruptured Achilles tendon.

The Argentinian Olympic gold medal winner suffered the injury with two minutes remaining in the 83-74 defeat at Obras Sanitarias on December 13, prompting many observers to suggest that the veteran guard might call time on his glittering career.

"I have never thought about retiring; I still want to play a whole season," he said.

"I will get over [the injury] here in Corrientes and then we'll see if I play for Regatas next season. They treat me very well.

"I really don't feel I'm weak. I think it happened because I haven't played so often due to different injuries, but I can go on playing."

The 34-year-old went on to explain what happened in the moment when he picked up the injury.

"I thought I was kicked from behind and, as I was next to the Obras bench, I turned around to insult the person who I supposed had done it,” he said.

"But nobody was there, so I realised that noise was not a problem in my shoe, but the tear of my tendon."

Montecchia is set to remain in Corrientes until next week, at which time he will travel to Buenos Aires for surgery.

"I hope next year will be better than 2006,” he added. "This year could not be worse."

PA Sport