He had to dig through his archives a bit to get his hands on this shot. Nicolas Batum is not even 16 years old in this photo dating from the summer of 2004 and the European cadet championship in Greece. His first competition in the French team: ” A crazy epic with the 'best generation' 88-89 “, as he writes on his networks.
Twenty years of life with the blue jersey. From my first senior selection against Austria to the last against Team USA, including my 100th with this red jersey. It is now time for me to close this magnificent chapter and pass the baton to the new generation. ” announces the tricolor.
Summer 2004, European Cadet Championship in Greece, my first competition with the French Team (a crazy epic with the “best generation” 88-89).
20 years of my life with this blue jersey. From my first senior selection against Austria to the last against Team USA in… pic.twitter.com/ymQjmSRJCp
— Nicolas Batum (@nicolas88batum) September 16, 2024
Avoid “too much competition”
A way for him to formalize an international retirement already mentioned before and after the Paris Olympic Games. I don't want to compete too much. “, he has repeated in recent weeks. So there will be no other competition at all.
” Wearing the French team jersey is the best thing that has happened to me in my career, I will be eternally grateful. Thank you to all my teammates for these lifelong memories, thank you to all the staffs with whom we worked each summer, thank you to Vincent (Collet)”, greets the Clippers player, evoking “ ups and downs, very highs and very lows » with the Blues.
The most beautiful of prize lists!
In the “top” of his basketwe will of course remember his gold medal obtained at Euro 2013, two Olympic vice-champion titles (2021 and this year), a silver medal at Euro 2011, two bronze medals at the World Championships (2014, 2019) and a 3rd of its kind at Euro 2015. A true monument, author of a legendary counter in the semi-final of the Tokyo Olympics. Even Tony Parker does not have a more beautiful international record.
” I am proud to have contributed to writing a part of the history of French basketball. Now it's time for the youngsters, the French team is in good hands and I know that this jersey will continue to shine. “, projects the native of Lisieux, concluding: ” Blue and proud forever. »
