End of an era: Palau leaves an unrivalled EuroLeague Women legacy

GIRONA (Spain) - Laia Palau is hanging up her game shoes as a EuroLeague Women legend after the Spanish guard opted to lower the curtain on her stunning career.

Having already announced last November that she would no longer be representing her country, the 42-year-old is stepping away from playing duties completely after an astonishing 25-year professional career.

"I'M NOT REALLY RETIRING FROM BASKETBALL. MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE SPORT DOESN'T END HERE." - Palau

She does so with an unprecedented record in EuroLeague Women, leaving the competition as the only player to have ever passed the milestones for 1,000 points, rebounds and assists. When it comes to assists she has an eye-popping 1353 and nobody is near that stunning tally.

She also steps away having played more games than anyone else in the modern history of the competition with 277 appearances, while she ranks in third place for steals too.

Palau represented Bourges Basket, Ros Casares, ZVVZ USK Praha, CCC Polkowice and Uni Girona, winning the title in 2012 in Ros Casares and then three years later with Praha.

 
"It is not a surprise what we are doing here, but I don't want to use the word retirement because I'm not really retiring from basketball," Palau explained at a media conference to confirm her decision.

"My love affair with this sport does not end here. That's why I say that I stop playing, and not that I retire. I will continue to work in this world. This sport has been my life, it is my life and it looks like it will continue to be my life."

She continued: "I am not very prepared. Normally I take the microphone and it's not difficult for me, but today it is a little.

"I am very grateful to my parents, who are here with me for another day, accompanying me on this adventure. If it hadn't been for them, I wouldn't have made it this far. They also retire today and are a bit sad. But I have made my decision and I am very happy.

"Life has treated me very well, it has given me a tremendous career. And I have challenges ahead that make me very excited. My life has been exciting in this (basketball) world. I am very fond of the love that people have given me, how they have valued me and treated me.

"Finally, I do not want to forget my companions, obviously. Without them, the trip would have been different. They have put up with my comings and goings. I am very grateful to all of them, as well as to my coaches," concluded Palau.

FIBA