10:44am Wednesday 10th March 2010
By Chris Phillips
PABLO Rodrigo has rocked Essex Pirates by opting to return to Spain.
The 23-year-old centre had been an influential figure for the Southend based side and was their second highest scorer with 284 points.
But he has now decided to head home and will not figure again for Tim Lewis' team.
“I would like to say that it hasn´t been easy for me to make this decision,” said Rodrigo who arrived back in Madrid on Tuesday.
“I have been very happy playing with the Pirates.
“But I have to go back to Spain for personal reasons.”
Rodrigo top scored with 14 points in his final game against Cheshire Jets last weekend.
It was the seventh time he had finished top of the scoring charts for Pirates this term.
And, after his departure, Rodrigo was keen to express his gratitude to everyone who made his spell in the BBL so enjoyable.
“I would like to thank my Pirates team-mates for these six months,” said Rodrigo.
“It has been a real pleasure playing with them all.
“Thanks to all those that supported the team in spite of the disappointing results and also to all the people that have made my life in Southend a bit easier like Jamie the manager at the “La Tasca” restaurant, the Echo and Ana my English teacher.
“Best wishes to my team-mates in the rest of the league and good luck to them all both now and in their future projects.”
Pirates head coach Lewis admitted he was sad to see Rodrigo leave.
But he also sympathised with the Spaniard.
“I think Pablo was home-sick and that's why he decided to go back,” said Lewis.
“He missed Spain and he missed his girlfriend but it's a shame because he had been a really key player for us.
“He did well but we will just have to battle on without him now.”
Pirates begin life without Rodrigo this weekend as they host Plymouth Raiders at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre.
The tip off is at 7.30pm.
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