Lucas Sáez-Bravo

Updated Thursday, February 15, 2024-00:04

It is impossible to understand the historic golden era of Real Madrid without the figure of

Anthony Randolph

(Wuzburg, Germany, 1989). A guy with both talent and strange character. But that apparent coldness was transformed during the seven seasons that he wore white into charisma. 'Toñejo' made himself loved from his fundamental contribution on the field to his ordeal with injuries, two very serious and in a row, of which he returned to win another Euroleague, "the most incredible of all", last May in Kaunas . "Really, when I arrived, I was only thinking about when I would return to the NBA," he confesses in conversation with EL MUNDO. In June he closed his time in Madrid but he is by no means retired.

Randolph just took some time. "I needed it. Mentally it was hard to go through those injuries. I never felt like myself afterwards. I also wanted to be close to my children, dedicate time to them that I haven't been able to do for many years. Take them to school, accompany them in their activities," he admits. the dapper left-handed power forward, who took up residence in Madrid, where his little son, Julian, was born. "Obviously, they feel from here. We have come to love the people of Madrid."

To know more

Basketball King's Cup 2020.

Anthony Randolph: "My job is not to smile"

  • Editor: LUCAS SÁEZ-BRAVO (Special Envoy)Málaga

Anthony Randolph: "My job is not to smile"

To know more

ACB.

Anthony Randolph's scary injury: complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament

  • Editor: AMADEU GARCÍA Barcelona

Anthony Randolph's scary injury: complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament

It will be in a few weeks when Randolph makes a decision on the offers he is handling. It was the time he gave himself to return to "the way he was before." "Yes, I'm training. I've been doing it since the season ended. And I'm in shape to play. I'm not retired, that's for sure. And I'm going to play basketball again. I'm open to anything. Actually, I'm not "It doesn't matter if it's here in the ACB, in China or wherever. But I will return," he explains, before reviewing his unsuspected love story with Madrid.

What did you feel when you left Madrid? It was a little sad. I spent seven years with the team and it became my home, that's how I felt. I feel like I was part of something very special, I was very integrated into the club, very close to my teammates. It was difficult to leave. But, you know, things change. Nothing is forever. I am ready for the next phase of my life, whatever it may be. Would you have imagined something like this when you signed in 2016? Never. I was young when I arrived, I was at that time when I still had hopes of returning to the NBA [he played six seasons after being number 14 in the draft, between the Warriors, Knicks, Wolves and Nuggets]. I would never have imagined spending seven years here and winning so many titles (12 in white, including two Euroleague, three Leagues and two Cups). In December 2020 the Achilles broke and shortly after returning, in June 2022, the previous crusader . Were those injuries harder physically or mentally? It was very complicated, but I thank God because I was able to continue advancing in my career despite those serious injuries. Still, that mental part over the past few months has been difficult and is the reason I've taken this time. Because when I get back into basketball, when I return to the courts, I want to be the Anthony of before, be 100% mentally and give my best version, wherever I play. The first of them happened to him at his best. moment, being the total leader of that Madrid team along with

Campazzo

. Yes, I was playing at a very high level and I told myself that Real Madrid was going to be the club where I would spend the rest of my career. I had just signed a new contract, but you know, injuries are part of sports. It's something we all assume can happen when we go out on a basketball court. It just happens. And some of us are more or less lucky than others. Do you feel that you were a fundamental part of a historic team? That's right and it wasn't just a matter of the players. From the board of directors to the last staff member, everyone did a great job. One of the keys was that the new players who arrived quickly fit in with the spirit of the Spanish players who were on the team. That identification with the club's values ​​led to successes.

Randolph, during his time at Real Madrid.Pau BarrenaWORLD

He played little, but was important in the Final Four in Kaunas. The defense against Barça, the triple in the final...It was crazy. He will probably never repeat something so incredible again. Llull's shot... was the only one he attempted in the entire game. To win, against a seven-foot center who is a huge defender. It could have happened in any way, but it was the most incredible way, to win a Euroleague. It's the magic of the Final Four. You never know what's going to happen. I think I played very well, especially after coming back from two such serious injuries. Having been away for such a long period and having to get into the dynamics of such a good team is not easy. My teammates were preparing for those playoffs and I had to join in during some very difficult games. But I was able to contribute some good things thanks to my experience. It was really incredible to be able to win the Euroleague like that. The winning character of

Llull, Rudy, Chacho, Felipe

...Of course, all professional athletes are competitive. But in Real Madrid's competitive mentality, only winning titles matters. You don't just have to be in the Final Four or the playoffs, you have to always win the title for the season to mean something. I think that's what they have inside and they teach it to the rest. I learned. They are players who have had incredible careers, they are legends.

Pablo Laso and Chus Mateo

. Both have their special talents. Pablo, obviously, is a legend. A great coach who won many titles, but above all he is a great coach of players, he has something special to keep the team united, focused, prepared and ready to play, it doesn't matter if that day has to be the whole game or just a few minutes. And Chus, well, I take my hat off to him. He suddenly had to take charge of a team with such high expectations, with all the pressure, and he was able, in his first year, to follow in Pablo's footsteps, not to ruin everything before. That speaks incredibly well of the greatness of both, because we cannot ignore the fact that they worked together for many years. Who will win the Cup in Malaga? It is difficult not to choose Real Madrid as the favorite to win the title this year. They are an incredible player and it seems that they have achieved great chemistry, that they know each other perfectly. Actually, not much has changed from last year. They are the same, a very difficult team to beat.