BarcelonaRudy Fernández’s number 1 fan was Rodolfo, his father. On May 13, he died at the age of 66 from cancer and then everything changed. The captain of the Spanish national team and his sister Marta, a former international player now retired, got used to competing for years and years with their parent cheering from the stands and not seeing him among the fans from all over the world was be tough “When he lifted the trophy, I was very emotional. Rudy has been working hard for a long time. After three very hard years due to our father’s illness, he deserved it. It was not an easy summer. Sunday it was going to be an emotional day. Our dad would have really enjoyed Rudy’s gold. He was very picky but his kids number 1 fan. When it was over my brother couldn’t stop crying. I hadn’t seen him never so excited,” says Marta to ARA.
The gold achieved in Berlin defied all odds. “I think it’s been one of the most special championships. To see Rudy lead such a young team both on and off the court has been epic. Nobody thought they would do what they’ve done. The gold medal is well deserved. They’ve shown that the team with the most stars doesn’t always win. Attitude, desire and teamwork have become a life lesson,” says Rudy’s sister.
The level exhibited by the 37-year-old Mallorcan escort was capital. “I’ve been watching Rudy play for more than 30 years. I’ve seen him win games and titles of all colors, but this Eurobasket has a different value. It’s sentimentally special because it was the first championship in which our father didn’t he was there. He was a pillar in the family. Thanks to him we are who we are and we have achieved what we have achieved. Any other player would have chosen to rest and recover from his physical problems but he accepted the challenge and gave everything. He has shown his commitment. My father, wherever he is, has given him the strength he needed to make a spectacular championship,” he says.
“Fuller and more mature”
Despite suffering many physical problems, the captain of the Spanish national team pushed his body to the limit. “Rudy always plays to the limit of his possibilities. Giving everything is his hallmark. Over the years he has been able to adapt his game. Now he is much more complete and mature, he has the experience to know what he needs the team at every moment. He plays less, but he knows what to do in the important moments. He is a unique player,” analyzes Fernández, who is currently a basketball analyst at Teledeporte.
The passage of time will place Rudy Fernández in his rightful place, but his sister is very clear about where he deserves to be. “Until now it was a bit hidden and now people are starting to recognize the career he has. He is a legend of our sport. From 2004 until now he has been an important part of the Spanish national team. He is a different player, a top 3 the story,” he summarizes.
