When Dirk Nowitzki emotionally ended his world career

END (Dallas, April 9, 2019): Dirk Nowitzki is in the spotlight, grabs the hall microphone and calls it quits. “That was my last home game,” said the 40-year-old at the American Airlines Center after the emotional 120-109 win over the Phoenix Suns © Getty Images

Nowitzki shone again and scored 30 points. Contrary to his announcement that he would only decide about his future on vacation, he announces that he will end his career after the end of the season. ©Getty Images

“We flew without telling anyone anything,” Dirk Nowitzki later said. The chance to play at the Nike Hoop Summit, a duel between American and international talent, was too tempting. He uses them. 33 points, 14 rebounds, Nowitzki is suddenly on everyone’s lips © Imago

it’s a bad day The young Franconian is overwhelmed, hits nothing from the field, only two free throws go in. “There was a hype, there were Germans everywhere. I was in awe,” said Nowitzki: “It was one of the worst games of my career” © Getty Images

The Würzburg player is outstanding in the USA, averaging 24 points and being named the tournament’s most valuable player (MVP) © Getty Images

HIGHSCORE (Dallas, December 2, 2004): Home game against the Houston Rockets, Nowitzki surpasses himself. At 113:106 after extra time, the Power Forward scored 53 points – a personal and club record © Getty Images

Nowitzki ensured victory at the beginning of overtime with ten consecutive points. “It’s a good idea to give Dirk the ball when he’s hot. On the other hand, it’s not a bad idea to give him the ball when it’s still cold,” said coach Don Nelson © Getty Images

SILVER (Belgrade, September 25, 2005): Only for the second time since winning the title in 1993 has a German team made it to the final of the European Championship. Greece is too strong but silver is a smash © Getty Images

Three minutes before the end, top scorer Nowitzki leaves the field and the audience rises from their seats. “It was one of the most moving moments of my life. I will never forget it,” says Nowitzki, who again receives the MVP trophy © Getty Images

“It’s still very difficult to be happy,” says Nowitzki because of the disappointment, “but it’s an award for my performance in the regular season, so I can be proud” © Getty Images

FLAG (Beijing, August 8, 2008): Nowitzki proudly carries the German flag at the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in China. “I will never forget that. It was almost a bit embarrassing for me,” says Nowitzki years later © Getty Images

He didn’t want to “step on anyone else’s toes”. The decision for the basketball player had triggered criticism – for example among the canoeists and shooters © Getty Images

“I needed a minute to myself. I was a bit emotional, I cried a little,” says Nowitzki, who is honored as MVP of the final series. Nowitzki plays in the finals after a tendon tear with a splint on his left middle finger, even that can’t stop him © Getty Images

FAREWELL (Berlin, September 10, 2015): After the bitter end at the end of the European Championship preliminary round in Berlin, Nowitzki stands alone on the field and says goodbye to the fans. It’s goodbye forever, but no one knows that today © Getty Images

It was only months later that he resigned from the national team after 153 appearances. “The last game at the European Championships in Berlin was my last game for Germany,” said Nowitzki at the end of January 2016 © Getty Images