Spain's Pau Gasol gives thumbs-up to playing in Rio

MADRID (2016 Rio Olympic Games) - Pau Gasol plans on being at the Rio de Janeiro Games with Spain and going after a third straight Olympic podium finish.

The long-time national team star had raised doubts about his participation at the end of May when he spoke of his concern about the Zika virus, but on Saturday he told the Marca newspaper in Spain that his intention is to be with his national team in Brazil.

"My responsibility had been to alert those about Zika because it's a very serious issue and my responsibility is to go with this national team to the Olympics," he wrote.

Spain are expected to announce their squad for Rio on 1 July.

Gasol was the Most Valuable Player of last year's EuroBasket after leading Spain to the top of the podium in France.

The NBA star had been earlier named the MVP of the 2006 FIBA Basketball World Cup and EuroBasket 2009.

Spain will be among the favorites to reach the podium and could present the biggest hurdle for the United States to clear as the Americans go after a third straight Olympic gold medal.

The USA have beaten Spain at the last three Summer Games, edging them each time.

In 2004, they beat Gasol and Co in the Quarter-Finals while at the last two Olympics, the Americans overcame Spain in the Final.

FIBA