Pau Gasol is desperate to guide Spain to World Championship glory next year after being forced to watch his country's unsuccessful EuroBasket 2005 campaign from the commentary box.

The Memphis Grizzlies star was unable to take part in the recent tournament because of a foot injury, although he was present in Belgrade in his role as an expert commentator for Spanish television station, TVE.

Spain progressed through to the semi-finals but were then beaten by Germany before being denied a bronze medal by France in the third/fourth-placed play-off on Sunday.

Gasol admits he was frustrated having to watch his team-mates from the sidelines and is eager to make amends in the FIBA World Championship in Japan.

"When the team was doing alright and won, I enjoyed it as always but when something bad happened, such as the defeat against France, there was nothing nice about it," Gasol said in Marca.

"If nothing serious happens, then I will go to Japan with the team because I don't want another experience like this with Spain not having won a medal after reaching the semi-finals."

He added: "I thought it was an unusual championship because Spain played some good games and some bad ones.

"They lacked consistency, although to finish among the top four is good."