Dallas – Dirk Nowitzki did not want to miss the repeat of his big farewell. And as the one-year-old ended his glorious career, the basketball icon prepared for a few sentimental moments in front of the television at his children’s side.
“I will definitely tune in, that is a special memory,” said the 41-year-old before Fox Sports showed his last NBA appearance at the Dallas Mavericks arena again. “In some situations, tears could even come to my eyes.”
Nowitzki also had to take a deep breath on April 9, 2019. A gigantic laser show and the visit of five role models to legend Larry Bird moved the overwhelmed superstar visibly before he finally announced that this was his last home game. «I couldn’t have imagined and dreamed of it more beautiful. It was a very special night and I will never forget it, ”Nowitzki recalled in an interview with Fox Sports Southwest. “I can tell this story for the rest of my life.”
On Twitter, he was delighted with the numerous electronic congratulations he received on his anniversary day. «On days like this, I definitely miss it more. Thanks for the love, »Nowitzki wrote for a photo that showed him in the spotlight of the otherwise darkened hall when he said goodbye at home. “Time flies,” wrote the German ex-NBA professional Detlef Schrempf, who had also paid homage to Nowitzki that evening. “Make something of it.”
A day later, the 2006 NBA champion finally said goodbye to basketball in the San Antonio Spurs game. Since then, Nowitzki has enjoyed everything that was hardly possible in the world’s best league during the 21 years. Lots of traveling with his wife Jessica and the three children Malaika (6), Max (5) and Morris (3), skiing over Christmas.
Most recently, Nowitzki was on a diplomatic mission in Kenya with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. “It’s been a year, but it feels like three years,” said Nowitzki. “It’s a year I could write a book about, there has never been a boring moment.”
However, the worldwide coronavirus pandemic is currently overshadowing the retirement of the native of Wurzburg. His family is doing well, Nowitzki reported. “”These are very difficult and unprecedented times.” He also listens to his relatives and friends in Germany almost every day, who are also doing well. «My parents are old and have poor health. Of course, I really care about a lot of people. I hope everyone gets through it well so we can leave that behind. ”
Schools and other facilities in the US state of Texas are also closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Nowitzki is currently in an unusual role – as a teacher for his children. «It is much more difficult than you think. It is very time consuming, it takes a lot of patience. It’s not easy, but it’s fun to spend time with them at home, »he said. “It is difficult for the kids to be out of their routine, not to be able to play with their friends and go to school.”
