Ricky Rubio: 'Barça has helped me a lot'

The Auditori 1899 was packed with TV and other media this Monday for the official presentation of Ricky Rubio as an FC Barcelona player. 

He was joined at the event by club president Joan Laporta, first vice president Rafa Yuste, the director responsible for basketball, Josep Cubells, board of directors spokesman, Miquel Camps, director of sports, Xavier Budó, Enric Masip and basketball section manager Juan Carlos Navarro, along with team representatives Roger Grimau, Nico Laprovittola, Àlex Abrines, Jabari Parker and Audi Norris. 

Ricky breaks silence

"I am here to break my silence and wanted to do it a special way" said the former NBA star. "I want to thank the press and the basketball world for giving me the privacy I wanted. I didn't understand what was happening to me. I want to explain how it is that I have ended up here. I also want to thank the Spanish Federation. And thanks to Barça too. I have needed conditions that aren't normal and they have accepted them at all times. The staff, directors and players have understood perfectly. They have accepted me in an incredible way. I feel respected. I want to thank my family and friends, I never felt alone and that helped me get through this. And also thanks to my therapist."

"I was suffering from chronic stress, and needed time to get back to normal. It was like an anxiety syndrome. I had mental health issues. Now that the ball is back in my hands, I hope to enjoy playing and helping people. It feels like it's been an eternity. I have worked hard to get where I am and with an important lesson learned. People are going through difficult times. We have been in the dark, but working hard and with plenty of help, you can get through these things. I have burst the bubble now and thank you all for respecting my privacy."

"For mental health to be discussed is a victory for society. When we feel reflected in someone, it is not so difficult to take the step."

"I don't want to think any further beyond taking things day by day this season. I would like to be able to enjoy playing and being at ease. We will do our best to make things beautiful. I have a clear goal which is to use certain mechanisms to enjoy playing basketball and to help the team reach the goals it has set. I'm excited. I was quite right to return to FC Barcelona, they helped me feel comfortable. Having such a close friendship with Roger Grimau and Juan Carlos Navarro has been key. I am very grateful to them. I'm here to contribute as much as possible and I'll talk with the coaches to decide when might be the best time for me to play."

Thanks from Joan Laporta and Josep Cubells

"It's a great day for FC Barcelona", confessed Joan Laporta, who posed for photographs with Ricky Rubio's new number 9 shirt. "On behalf of the Board of Directors, we want to thank you for being able to make your wish to play with Barça come true again; you have shown commitment and love for basketball. Your smile dazzles us."

Josep Cubells added that "we will do everything possible to get you able to contribute your great play to the team, a lot of people are very excited about this."