‘It will be an honor to represent my country, the Lakers and fans who give me their support’

29/01/2010 8:42:00

It has just officially announced that will play his third All-Star. Satisfied, grateful and thoughtful as always, Pau Gasol speaks exclusively about his feelings by being named to the West team by the coaches.

- Congratulations Pau. How do you feel about being chosen for the All-Star team of the West in the All-Star of Dallas?

- I feel very fortunate to have been chosen to play the game of stars for which I have so much hope. It will be an honor to represent my country, the Los Angeles Lakers and all the fans who follow me and give me their support unconditionally. I am very grateful to all the coaches who have made it possible to participate in this very special weekend, also my colleagues who are always a big part of my success and individual production. So I am very happy!

- The election has more merit if it’s considered that you’ve missed 17 games due to injury. Did you expect it or this reason made you doubt?

- I know the games I missed were going to be a handicap, but I’m glad that was not big enough for the coaches to vote for another player. After that, I had high hopes of being chosen to participate in my third All-Star, but knew it would be very difficult.

- What does it mean for you add three All-Star in your career?

- A huge honor and pride. I feel extremely fortunate to have gotten to this point in my career and I hope to continue in this line. Although by now I just want to enjoy it.

- In Dallas you will meet your brother Marc, who will play the rookies sophomores game. For the second time two brothers in an All-Star also is something historic. Do you think next year you could play both the All-Star game?

- That would be wonderful. If Marc follows this progression and the level of play of this year, he will have options to be in the All-Star in the very near future, and hopefully I can maintain my level for many years and this possibility could become reality.