By ,
Published November 20, 2014
SAN ANTONIO (Reuters) - San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker decided on Thursday not to represent France at this year's world championship in Turkey after his NBA team told him to "focus on the club only."
"I understand their position even if it hurts to give up the national team this summer," the 27-year-old said on his website (http://en.tp9.net/) after meeting with club officials.
"The Spurs told me it would be best for me to focus on the club only. My season was hampered by injuries and they don't want it to happen during the last year of my contract."
Parker, who will miss out on the chance to appear in his first world championship, said in August he will begin work in Los Angeles to prepare for next season. The world championship is August 28 September 12 in Turkey.
"I have to think about my future. My wish is to have a great season in San Antonio. My heart is here," he said.
Parker, who is married to "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria-Parker, also missed out on the 2006 world championship because of a broken right index finger.
(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Frank Pingue)
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/spurs-trump-france-as-parker-says-no-to-worlds