Marco Belinelli closes the door on the national team: 'It's time for the younger guys' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Michele Nucci/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire-Scanpix Credit Michele Nucci/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire-Scanpix

Virtus Bologna star Marco Belinelli is ready for the Italian Cup with Virtus Bologna but had the time to talk a little bit about his future.

Points this season

50%85,5Points made:85,5Accuracy:49,6%Place in standings:3Record max:104Record min:62Best scorer:Kyle WeemsTeamEuroCupStatisticsSchedule

The Italian sharpshooter wasn't part of the Italian NT group last summer, he was still recovering from a small injury and decided to skip the possibility to join the national team. Despite having communicated his decision to the federation in advance, Italian federation president Gianni Petrucci criticized his decision and did the same with Gigi Datome.

In the end, everything went well for Italy regardless. The team coached by Meo Sacchetti won the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade and then reached the quarter-finals at the Olympics.

But, according to Belinelli's words in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, it looks like the Italian guard won't wear Italy's jersey anymore.

"I think this is the time to let the younger players have their role, to give them the opportunity to show their talents", Belinelli said. "The national team is not in my head right now, and I didn't hear anyone from the federation."

"My only goal is to win with the Virtus Bologna," Belinelli added. "I still feel the fire inside, I still want to win and challenge my teammates."

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