THE Sasha Vezenkov he is also his player with the bullet Olympiakou for the next five years and at this time he grants SEF the press conference of his presentation.
The Bulgarian international in his first words thank you the presidents of the “red and white”, while he referred to support he received all this time from the friends of Piraeus.
“I thank the presidents, because without them my return would not have happened. Thank you to all the people who came in the heat and to those who couldn’t be here. During the year, I did not stop receiving messages from people, who were happy with me. I thank the people who run for the team and are always here, through thick and thin. The goal is always the top, in short and a lot of work. Let’s fast and go conquer all our goals“, he said initially, while he also thanked them Raptors where they did not stand in the way in his desire to return to Olympiakos.
“When you’ve been in a team for 5 years and you’ve experienced so many moments, the memories come with you. The frequent contact helped me to have company, I could see how much they care about me, how I am. This contact definitely played a role, because this is my home, we are a family. I want to thank the Raptors and publicly because they understood my wishes. They care about how the player wants to be, and the coach picked up on the situation as soon as we spoke».
His goal is clear, the conquest of the Euroleague: “My goal is not to be MVP or anything. To conquer the Euroleague alone. I am ready to do everything, we will find it with the coach. I care nothing more and nothing less“, he said, while adding that he still hasn’t forgotten how the Euroleague final was lost in 2023. “Memories are always with us, good or bad. Up until 4-5 months ago I kept thinking about how we lost the Euroleague. I won’t say we deserved to get it, because the winner deserves it. But we had to take it. I leave it behind and aim only for the future. The goal is to be there and win the trophy».
Asked how difficult it was for him to say no in his second year in the NBA, he said:I was thinking for days, until just before the end, if I want to give myself a second chance in the NBA. I had a bit of a hard time my first year. But the most important thing for me was to be happy, to fight for titles and to show what I want and what I can do. I think I made the right decision for what I had in mind. I’m full, I don’t let anyone down and at the end of the day, not everything is for everyone. We don’t always and everywhere fit. Playfully and psychologically, I think it’s better for me here».
However, the experience in the NBA offered him some things. “Just being in the same space with so much talent you learn things. You compete with the best. I continued to do my training. It’s about being fit and healthy. The NBA is like a university, you see so many talented players, you mark them, you duel with them… It’s something you have to experience. From then on, it stays behind and we look forward“, write down.
The expectations and responsibilities are great, but he doesn’t mind. “Knowing the pressure that exists, because there is not so much media abroad, I know very well where I am. I like responsibility, I work hard and this is my driver. I’ll be doing the same things, hopefully more consistently, whether I’m getting X amount or X+. I know there will be criticism, anyone with a button can write whatever they want. All together, united, a few words and a lot of work».
At the same time, he declared that he was proud of what he had achieved. “Thinking about what my parents have done for me, I’m proud of who I am first as a person and second of where I’ve come in basketball. I’m missing a Euroleague title, that’s why I’m here, to fight to get it. I am very grateful to those who have helped me. All I have to do is keep working, that’s my motto. I don’t forget where I started».
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“Sasha is a diamond, together we will live the best moments of our lives”
Panagiotis and Giorgos Angelopoulos talked about the return of Sasha Vezenkov and their dreams of many titles with him.
P. Angelopoulos: “It’s a sensational reception to announce Sasha’s return. He is the best player in Europe, won titles and will continue to win titles with Olympiakos. The goal is the top of Europe, that is clear. Sasha is a hard worker, he likes what he does, he likes Olympiakos and that’s why he came to us. Sasha is one of the biggest diamonds, we believe in him, we want him and we will live the greatest moments of our lives with him, I believe”
G. Angelopoulos: “We welcome Sasha to his home. It is the largest agreement for European data. Sasha is a great athlete, but he has morals, he has character, he identifies with the team and we thank him for coming back to Olympiakos. It is 100 years since the foundation of Olympiakos, dreams and expectations are high and we will try for the best. There are no guarantees, but everyone will give everything to achieve what we deserve and deserve.”
P. Angelopoulos: “Sasha is a gem and will win titles with Olympiacos in this five-year contract.”
G. Angelopoulos: “It is the biggest agreement in the history of Olympiakos and by European standards. It was made for a model athlete, the best in Europe. The contract is five years, that says it all. The basic philosophy does not change. During the year Olympiacos renewed Fal, Peters and the agreement with Evans was also made… And during the year there were moves. Our interest in Sasha was constant, regardless of the decisions he would make about his future. The budget was already at very satisfactory levels, obviously this year it will be even higher. Whatever is required is done.”
P. Angelopoulos: “Sasha talked to people from the team all season, he felt our love. He came back, we talked and he understood how we feel. There was also a trip that he did not expect. Everything played its part.”
G. Angelopoulos: “He understood our vision and our love for Olympiakos. All efforts were made, because it is not easy to leave the NBA. But even if you decide to leave, such a player always has suggestions. It took effort, but the most important thing is that he is here with us.”
Source: Sport Fm
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