Russian international forward Andrei Kirilenko, who is playing with NBA side Utah Jazz, has announced his decision to miss the world champioship, local media reported.
"I will have to miss the world championship," Kirilenko told the daliy newspaper Sport-Express.
"Together with Utah management we decided that I should miss the event to recover completely after an injury. It was very hard for me to take this decision but I had no other choice."
Kirilenko said it was his personal decision to miss the world championship, which is due to take place in Turkey from August 29 till September 12, while Utah management were not forcing him to withdraw from playing there.
"They (Utah managers) only recommended me to miss the event leaving me the chance to finalise the decision," Kirilenko said.
"But I have no right to neglect the club's opinion. They invested serious money in me, they're paying me a salary and I just must act in the club's interests. Though I would like to play for my country."
The newspaper's report also said that two other Russian international players may also miss the world championships in Turkey.
Playmaker John Robert Holden, who led Russia to the 2007 European title and center Alexander Kaun both remain uncertain for the event because of health problems.
Copyright 2010 AFP Global Edition
