Spanish star Pau Gasol will decide later this month if he is to represent his country at Eurobasket 2005 in Serbia & Montenegro.

The seven-footer struggled towards the end of the season with a foot injury and the Memphis Grizzlies feel that he needs a rest.

		“	With or without me, Spain has a great team and plays basketball at a high level	„
		Pau Gasol

"All the time, I have more pressure from my team. This year with the injury that I have had and the new contract, it means that I am under more," Gasol said.

"They want me to only think about playing for them but they also realise that for me, it is very important and a great honour to play for my country."

Gasol was outstanding at Eurobasket 2003 when Spain won a silver medal, and he was terrific at last summer's Olympics.

Spain coach Mario Pesquera has a huge pool of talent to draw from, however, none of his players are as dominant as Gasol.

"Until mid-July, I will not make a definite decision," said Gasol.

"The foot is fine, now, due to having taken a break but I still need an X-ray to see how the bone is. It is a complicated situation and if I cannot play this time for Spain, then next time I will make more of an effort.

"With or without me, Spain has a great team and plays basketball at a high level.

"With me, perhaps, it is a little stronger but whatever happens, they are still capable of competing for a medal in Belgrade."