Former NBA basketball player Ricky Rubio admits he wanted to end his life

Former NBA basketball player Ricky Rubio, who recently officially ended his playing career, was a guest on a show in his native Spain where he talked about his mental health and the most difficult periods he went through.

Rubio is known for his long and rich career. He started in the club Huventud, and spent two seasons in his first term in Barcelona. After 13 years of playing in the NBA, where he played for several teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers, he returned to Europe and briefly played again for Barcelona.

Struggle with yourself and pressures

While there is no indication that Rubio will return to the court, he has been more open recently about personal issues and the pressures he has felt.

“One night, while I was alone in a hotel room, I told myself that I didn’t want to continue anymore. Not just my career, but my life. There were times when everything around me was too difficult, when I thought my life had no meaning,” Rubio, 32, candidly admitted.

He added that he was often dissatisfied with his successes and that even when he won awards, he felt like a fraud.

“I was never satisfied with myself. Even when I won awards, I wasn’t happy. I told myself that I didn’t deserve these successes, that I was a fraud,” he explained.

Rubio also commented on the pressure placed on young athletes, especially examples like young Barcelona player Lamine Yamal.

“There’s too much expected of kids who may not be ready for it yet. As if just because they play football well, they have to know how to handle everything else. But the question is whether they’re really ready and whether they’re being taught to do that,” Rubio said.

Mental health is becoming an important topic in all circles, and the example of this basketball player best illustrated how important a topic mental health really is.