Spanish basketball superstar and player for the FC Barcelona of the Spanish Liga ACB Ricky Rubio recently opened up about his struggles with depression and battle with mental that ate the ‘person’ version of himself.
It has been 9 months since the player took a break from basketball and with him now back he has shared his struggles and difficult times.
The player ate the person. I didn’t know who I was. It was a difficult moment for me. I had fear. You are able to handle your fears and play down them. Life is full of greys. But I have saved myself, and now I am at ease. I am proud of myself, and I give basketball a new chance.
Said Ricky Rubio
As per Riley himself, the problems had started before the World Cup in Indonesia, Philippines, and Japan with him representing Spain.
The player who announced his return in their international game against Latvia was a huge moment for him and the Spanish basketball.
He would score 11 points and 5 assists in their 75-79 loss, as Rubio would later talk about the player version and personal version of him feeling disconnected. With the interview going viral, one of the known NBA superstars, Ja Morant, also shed his emotional response through a tweet.
Ricky Rubio opens up about his mental health, stating that Ricky Rubio the player consumed Ricky Rubio the person
“The player ate the person. I didn’t know who I was. It was a difficult moment for me. I had fear. You are able to handle your fears and play down them. Life is full… pic.twitter.com/u6Yjqt0pqI
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 26, 2024
The ex-Cleveland Cavaliers player’s ongoing struggle to make a return was a huge moment in not just the sporting world but in raising awareness among every human being with regard to mental health issues.
His step down from basketball was a huge shock to many, but understandable given his station. And now, after his comeback after nine months, fans have shown their side of care and love for the Point Guard.
Ja Morant and Fans react to Ricky Rubio’s confession of having “Mental Struggles”
After the interview of the player opening up about his depression and being the reason for taking a break from basketball was aired, fans, including Memphis Grizzlies’ star Ja Morant, expressed their respect and love for the players through tweets and posts.
Ja Morant for the Memphis Grizzlies (Via The Mirror)Awareness and light were upon the topic and fans couldn’t thank Rubio for opening things up about his struggles. Sharing a wide spectrum of reactions online, here’s what fans have to say:
It’s sad, players lose themselves just focusing on staying in the league as long possible.
— Street Clothes 🧢 (@LeCap623) February 26, 2024
It’s a serious issue.. too many players experiencing depression
— RJ Trader (@rj_trading1) February 26, 2024
Demar Derozan podcast will help athletes deal with their mental health better
All professional sports teams should have mental fitness trainers
— Brandon J. McGill (@14xfounder) February 26, 2024
Very glad Ricky realized this & not only did what was necessary for him by stepping away, but is being outspoken about his journey to help others. Very cool of him.
— Josh Reynolds (@JoshReynolds24) February 26, 2024
I hope Ricky Rubio the person knows just how many people loved watching Ricky Rubio the player play ball I was one of those people
— Jimmy harrity (@jimmy_harrity) February 26, 2024
Props to him speaking up about his mental health experiences
— X (@udy_AH) February 26, 2024
Fans flooded social media with messages of encouragement and solidarity, praising Rubio for speaking out and sparking meaningful discussions about the pressures athletes face both on and off the court. While it has been a serious issue with many athletes, Rubio’s strength to open up has received both praise and criticism from everyone.
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