There will be no more 'mandarins' for dessert: Llull, his farewell to the national team and the unique power of us

It happened this Monday: Sergio Llull announced his retirement from the Spanish national team . It wasn't a surprise; his ID already confirmed that his expiration date was closer than it was farther away. But it's always surprising, and in a way, painful, to see one of the greatest legends of Spanish basketball decide to step aside. The Menorcan is an institution, and his departure confirms that the generation that thrilled us has disappeared forever.

At 37, the incredible Llull has stepped aside, aware that the time has come to make room for younger players . But the Balearic native can boast of having been a key player for the national team, one of those players who took Spain to the top. His record of achievements speaks for itself: three gold medals at the European Championships (2009, 2011, and 2015), one gold at the World Championships (2019), two Olympic medals (silver in 2012 and bronze in 2016), and a bronze at the European Championships (2013) speak for themselves.

Llull was an integral part of the greatest basketball generation Spain has ever had . Recognisable names such as Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol, Juan Carlos Navarro, Ricky Rubio, Felipe Reyes, Rudy Fernández, Sergio Rodríguez, Víctor Claver and José Manuel Calderón , among others, formed a unique group that achieved every possible success, except for that Olympic title that eluded them, but which they came so close to achieving at the 2012 Games against the USA.

But beyond the sporting achievements, so fundamental to demonstrating a team's level, Llull's legacy is evident in the intangibles. Accustomed to being captain of a Real Madrid team, the veteran Real Madrid player has been instrumental in embodying a key idea: there is nothing more important than the team . There are many values ​​that the veterans have tried to pass on to the younger players, but the unity of the team above individuality is the most important.

"It's a difficult and well-thought-out decision, but it's time to step aside, enjoy my club, with my family, and make way for the new generations who are coming on strong . I've tried and I hope I've helped, even a little, to transmit the Family values ​​to these new generations, such as effort, sacrifice, teamwork, and being aware that it's always more important for us than for me ," he explained at the time of the announcement.

In fact, that was one of the keys that lifted his generation to the top: if a group with this much talent is capable of playing as a team , sacrificing themselves for each other, and fighting until the last second, it won't be easy to win. Llull's lesson is, in reality, a life lesson that goes beyond sport itself. It's a way of being, of living, and of striving to achieve the goals you set for yourself. No one is more important than the group ; everyone must pull in the same direction.

Llull suffered a serious knee injury while playing for the national team , which caused him to miss the 2017 Eurobasket, where the national team eventually won a bronze medal. He was also injured in preparation for the 2022 continental tournament , where Spain became champions again. That image of Rudy Fernández, crying over the death of his father while wearing Llull's own jersey , shows the values ​​of this team: "We above me."

"Beyond all the achievements and medals, I'm left with the journey I've taken to achieve them, and I believe that when you enjoy doing something, you're more likely to achieve your goals," Llull said. He played 173 matches for the national team , where he demonstrated a great ability to lead the team, understand the moment of the match, and, above all, was instrumental in those moments when the ball was on fire. When it came to putting it on the line, there was no one like Llull.

Those tangerines as the clock approached zero are one of his greatest trademarks in world basketball. But there will be no more tangerines for dessert with Spain. It's time for young talent to take over and put the Real Madrid player's teachings into practice. It's very difficult to find a better mentor than Llull, a player who has always given everything for the badge he wears on his chest. With his departure, a generation bids farewell, but may the "we" never be lost .