“Pushing My Body to the Limits”: Emotional Giannis Antetokounmpo Bids Farewell in Devastating News

People usually see Giannis Antetokounmpo going down on his shield. Battered and bruised never stopped the Greek Freak from competing at the highest level. He is demanding of himself, wanting to achieve the pinnacle performance everyone has come to expect of him. Unfortunately, even his warrior spirit can’t beat the test of time. After suffering from knee injuries periodically last season, Antetokounmpo had to take a tough decision.

He went on to social media to describe his superlative efforts to stay in shape and be ready to compete. However, on the advice of the medical staff, the Milwaukee Bucks forward won’t be a part of an upcoming basketball event.

Giannis Antetokounmpo announces his exclusion from national duty

In Bucks’ color, Antetokounmpo’s raging competitiveness is evident in his passionate roars. He is a specimen of physical excellence, freakish athleticism, and sheer will. Giannis Antetokounmpo might not destroy defenses in every game. Yet, he never compromises on effort. The two-time MVP stays in peak shape and always steps out with the intention of leaving nothing in his tank.

So for months, he delicately put his efforts into getting back to that point. Notably, last season, Antetokounmpo had to tackle several left knee injuries which kept him out for stretches of games. Last month, he went through an arthroscopy on his knee. He is still recovering from the procedure.

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However, he was always on the clock. Antetokounmpo takes pride in representing the nation of Greece on the international stage. The NBA superstar is the commander of the forces, carrying the dreams of his people. Since his procedure, Antetokounmpo claims to have pushed his “body to the limits” trying to get back to his reputed unstoppable self.

Just three days ago, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst announced Antetokounmpo’s uncertainty in participating in the World Cup. As it transpired, those murmurs have turned to reality. The Greek forward took to Twitter to announce he won’t be a part of the prestigious international tournament. He also relayed his sincere efforts to try to put on the Greek armor.

“Since the conclusion of my NBA season, I have been pushing my body to the limits to be the player I need to be to help our team achieve the goals we set. But after months of work and multiple meetings with medical staff it is clear that I am not ready to compete in the level that I need to be to participate in the World Cup”, he wrote on Twitter.

The 2021 Finals MVP further stated his disappointment with the outcome. The medical staff taking made the decision to consider Antetokounmpo’s recovery. Despite the heartbreaking news, he vowed to continue pushing himself, teasing the very limits his body holds for the next time national duty calls his number.

While the No.34 will be absent during the World Cup, he shares the ambitions of his peers. The Greek dream is to be a part of the 2024 Olympics. And Giannis Antetokounmpo is manifesting his participation during the coveted tournament next year. Do you think Greece can qualify without its anchor? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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