The great Brazilian star officially announced that after 20 years he is leaving the national team.
It seems like this post olympic time is made by goodbyes. Ekaterina Gamova finished her international adventure, now Giba is making the same decision. We knew much earlier that this is going to happen, but now it is official.
“I’m leaving the national team but I am very proud to have stayed 20 years with this team, these men and with Bernado Rezende.” Giba said.
Giba, who recovered from surgery to his lower left leg in February to play in London, has a 2004 gold medal and 2008 silver to his name and also played in Sydney in 2000 when Brazil finished sixth. He is also a three-time world champion (2002, 2006 and 2010), eight-time World League winner and also led Brazil to two World Cup titles.
What are his plans for the nearest future?
“I think about continuing in sport and in volleyball, in particular. I’ve always joked with Bernardo but I’ll leave coaching to him. Even though I think I’d be good at it, it’s not for me. I believe that with my experience on the court I can help outside the court, too.”
Giba is the first Brazilian player, who left after London Olympics, but it’s quite sure that he is not the last. We’ll keep you posted about any other changes in Brazilian national team. No doubt, that this is the end of an outstanding era for the next host of the Olympic Games.
