After 17 seasons in the NBA, Boston Celtics center Al Horford is finally a champion. Amid their NBA Finals run, many fans speculated whether Horford would retire after the season if he won a championship.

Just a few days after the euphoria of winning the finals, Horford, still basking in the glory, celebrated the title with a meet-and-greet with fans at a local Raising Canes in Boston. In an exclusive interview with TMZ Sports, Horford made a decision that sent waves of excitement through the Celtics community to be donning the green and white for another season.

“There’s no question about it. I don’t know why those speculations were out there, that I was, like, retiring. But I’m still playing, and I’m very excited for next season,” Horford said.

Horford then revealed his reasoning for continuing his NBA career. He believes the Celtics can repeat and wants to take advantage of that opportunity.

“This group is special… I’ve done it on the college level, and I think we can do it again here,” Horford finished.

Horford won back-to-back NCAA Basketball Championships with the Florida Gators. With his return to Boston, all of their key pieces will return, setting up for another deep NBA playoff run and a potential repeat.