Palau to call time on EuroLeague Women and national team career

PRAGUE (EuroLeague Women/FIBA EuroBasket Women) - Spanish legend Laia Palau has confirmed she will play in her last EuroLeague Women Final Four next month and hang up her Spanish national team vest at FIBA EuroBasket Women in June.

Speaking to the Spanish media, the playmaker confirmed what many had expected - that she would have an international swansong this summer. Especially with Spain stepping out in the Czech Republic and having the potential to win a title on the same floor that Palau graces at club level with ZVVZ USK Prague.

Less certain was whether she would continue with the Czech champions for another year or depart and the point guard has confirmed it will be the latter. Something that will result in her waving goodbye to her incredible EuroLeague Women at this year's Final Four in Ekaterinburg.

"I [will] withdraw from ZVVZ USK Prague and also with the national team in Prague - with the intention of competing to the maximum, as always," Palau told Efe.com.

"For me it will be special because it [FIBA EuroBasket Women] is in Prague and if I play a EuroLeague Women Final Four and then EuroBasket Women is in June, it's like an extension of the season.

"The selection [national team], which has been part of my life for many years, is something that has generated many doubts this year.

"But I have continued to receive calls from the Federation, the technical team and from my colleagues.

"The biggest thing in my life was the silver [medal] at the Olympics, since it had never been achieved [by Spain] and it was without losing any game except against the United States."

Palau has also reportedly been offered an open return ticket back to ZVVZ USK Prague in a coaching capacity and might not be ready to hang up her game shoes completely.

She is currently eyeing up teams in Australia, with Sydney and Melbourne the most likely destinations if she opts to play another year.

FIBA