An emotional Carmelo Anthony wrapped up his USA Basketball career with a third gold medal on Sunday, and gave a fantastic interview after Team USA’s 96-66 win over Serbia in the final game.
Anthony confirmed that he was ending his international career and had to hold back tears, before talking about the social issues that plague America and his optimism for the future.
Carmelo Anthony: CAPTAIN AMERICA FOREVER ?????? pic.twitter.com/hBvI4RATT8
— Rob Perez (@WorId_Wide_Wob) August 21, 2016
“I know this is the end,” Anthony said. “This is it for me.”
After composing himself, Anthony went on to talk about his hopes for the country as a whole.
Best part of Carmelo Anthony's Postgame interview. More than just basketball. Thank you for this message pic.twitter.com/1VUNe1UfQ7
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) August 21, 2016
“Despite everything that’s going on right now in our country, we gotta be united,” Anthony said. “I’m glad I did what I did, I stepped up to the challenge, but this is what it’s about. Representing our country on the biggest stage that you can be on. America will be great to do, I believe that. We got a lot of work to do, but it’s one step at a time, man. I’m glad we represented in the fashion that we did.”
You can tell how much it all means to Anthony. He was chastised by some for his remarks on how a third gold medal would fit into his career, but after seeing that, maybe it really does mean every bit as much as a ring would.
