Papapetrou: “Partizan is a family, but tonight they are rivals – I was not surprised by Lesor’s presence”

His game tonight Panathinaikos AKTOR with Partizan (21:15) is special to him Ioannis Papapetrou and the Matias Lessorwho will face their former team.

“We created something special last year at Partizan. We were friends and considered each other family. We still talk to a lot of kids. But on Friday night we forget all that. I know that they will also come with the aim of beating us, but also me and Lessor want to win. That’s how it is and that’s how it will always be in the championship. This is the highest form of respect“, emphasized the international forward.

Of course, he does not forget what he experienced in Belgrade: “I always remember winning the Adriatic League. It wasn’t an easy season, because we lost in the Cup and were eliminated from the Final 4 even though we came within a breath of it. That might break up a team, but not us. It brought us together even more. That’s why I say we were a family, for what we went through together and in the end it was worth it and we were justified by winning the title».

Of Kevin Pander’s absence tonight he said: “Partizan is not just one player, it wasn’t last year and it isn’t now. There is a system of coach Obradovic that always produces leaders. This is a very dangerous team and has a lot of quality. I’m looking forward to the game, the stadium will be packed, just like it was at Stark Arena».

Finally, he referred to the impressive image of Matias Lesor at Panathinaikos. “I don’t need to talk about Matias’ relationship with Partizan. However, I am not surprised that he has done so well at Panathinaikos. He came as a terrific product of Obradovic’s system and has become one of the top centers in Europe, something he is now confirming at Panathinaikos. I expected him to be so good here too, I knew he could».