Ricky Rubio returns to Barcelona after leaving NBA due to mental health issues

Ricky Rubio has rejoined Barcelona having left Cleveland Cavaliers in January after revealing he had been suffering from mental ill health.

The 33-year-old Spaniard won the Liga ACB and the EuroLeague in his previous stint at Barca, before moving to the NBA and featuring for Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns and the Cavaliers.

He announced he was retiring from the NBA in January and was open about his mental health battles.

Now Rubio has returned to Barcelona until the end of the season, with the club confirming his return to action will come when the point guard feels ready.

𝐎𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: Ricky Rubio, inscrit a l'ACB i l'Eurolliga ‼

𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒂, 𝑹𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒚

— Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) February 6, 2024

“FC Barcelona and Ricky Rubio have reached an agreement for the Catalan guard to join the club until the end of the season,” a statement read.

“This agreement depends on the player’s progress as he finds himself in the final stages of his recovery.

“Barca have registered the player in the ACB and Euroleague after he underwent the usual medical tests at the Ciutat Esportiva and the Hospital de Barcelona.

“Ricky Rubio’s return to competition will come when the player himself decides the time is right.”