Flamengo captain Marcelinho Machado announced his retirement from the Brazilian national basketball team. In 15 years representing the country, the 37-year-old forward played 244 matches and scored 3.408 points, concluding his tenure with the yellow jersey at the London Olympics. A three-time Pan American Games gold medalist (2007/2003/1999), two-time Copa América champion (2009/2005), and having played in four World Cups (2010/2006/2002/1998), Marcelinho recalled happy times with the national team.

"I have a history with the Brazilian national team. It was 15 years, a lifetime. I look back at everything I went through wearing the Brazilian jersey and feel proud. I always gave my all, I gave my all to defend my country, I never turned down a call-up, I experienced many good moments, I went through a bad phase for our basketball team, and I'm happy to be saying goodbye to the Brazilian national team seeing our basketball team strong again. Participating in the London Olympics, more than just a dream I had, capped off my history with the national team with a flourish. There are other players who will represent Brazil well and take my place, and I'm happy that these were 15 years of much joy and good memories," said the winger.

The farewell is only to the national team. Marcelinho continues wearing Flamengo's number 4 jersey, with a full schedule for the 2012/2013 season: the Red-Black team will compete in the State Championship, the South American League, and the NBB 5.

"I need to thank my coaches, my teammates, the press, and the fans—everyone who supported me throughout these years with the Brazilian National Team, as they helped me become the player I am, the athlete I am, and get to where I am today. They were all very important. Now I will dedicate myself solely to Flamengo and my family. I will become another Brazilian fan and will be in the stands at the 2016 Games, rooting for the team to have a great campaign and reach the podium at home," he concluded.