Naples, 5 May (LaPresse) – Achille Polonara has announced his retirement from competitive basketball with a social media post in which he thanks ‘the coaches, teammates and medical staff of every team I’ve played for for making me feel like a good player but, above all, a man. Thank you,’ Polonara continues, "to those who insulted me on social media and in the arenas; you were my strength! I wish this moment would never come." Polonara, 34, who plays for Dinamo Sassari, underwent surgery in 2023 to remove a testicular tumour; in June 2025, he was diagnosed with a form of acute myeloid leukaemia, which was treated in Bologna and Valencia. ‘I gave it a go, resuming individual training, but I realise it’s time to call it a day on playing basketball because I’ll never be the player I once was, and I want you to remember me for who I was! I’ll miss you, basketball,’ he concludes.
© Copyright LaPresse
