Achille Polonara announces retirement from professional basketball

Italian professional basketball player Achille Polonara has officially announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 34. Polonara, who previously battled testicular cancer in the 2023-24 season, is currently undergoing treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. In early November, media reports indicated that the player had spent 10 days in a coma due to his condition. Despite attempts to return through individual training sessions, Polonara stated that he can no longer perform at the required professional level. During his career, he played for top EuroLeague clubs including Baskonia, Fenerbahce, Anadolu Efes, Zalgiris Kaunas, and Virtus Bologna, and most recently signed with Dinamo Sassari. Internationally, he represented Italy at the Tokyo Olympics, two EuroBasket tournaments, and the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Polonara thanked his former teammates, coaches, and medical staff for their support throughout his career.