Pau Gasol is willing to play for Spain in the Olympics despite concerns about the Zika virus.

"My commitment to the national team is greater than my fears over what might happen," Gasol wrote Saturday in the Spanish newspaper Marca. "My feelings of passion and responsibility toward my national team, my sport and my teammates are huge. They have always been and always will be. My first instinct in that sense has always been to want to be with the national team each summer."

Gasol also called on Rio officials to ensure the safety of everyone attending the Games, which begin Aug. 5.

"I will be going hoping and trusting that the people and organizations will do everything possible and take measures to minimize possible risk to the athletes. I have always had the doubt that they -- so as not to put other elements of the event in danger -- have not been mindful of the health and safety of the athletes and all those who will attend the Olympics in Rio -- whether those people are athletes, accompanying family, friends or fans. It is a pity that [the situation] is like this.

"We must trust in the authorities that they will follow up with what they have promised and take proper measures."