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Pau Gasol says he will play in Rio Olympics

Pau Gasol says he will play in the Rio Olympics.
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Spanish star Pau Gasol says he’s willing to play in the upcoming Rio Olympics.

The 35-year-old center announced his intentions in Spanish newspaper Marca on Saturday.

These will be the fourth Olympics for Gasol, the most decorated Spanish player in history. He said last month that he was unsure of his availability due to concerns about the Zika virus, and made comments recently that he was considering freezing his sperm as a safety measure before traveling to Rio. Zika has been linked to birth defects in babies born to mothers infected with the virus.

Gasol spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Bulls, averaging 16.5 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks in 2015-16. He has led Spain to silver medals in the past two summer Olympics.

Gasol holds a player option for next season with the Bulls and has a Monday deadline to opt in or out.