By Niki Bakouli/ bakouli@eurohoops.net
Since he left Barcelona (2003), every single summer there was a rumor about him wearing again the “blaugrana”. But, it was never a reality. That was not the case for this time, with Sarunas Jasikevicius actually getting back to his beloved team!
Every time he was playing at Palau Blaugrana it was emotional for him and the Barcelona’s fans, who never stop loving him to the maximum. This Monday, it was the day of his presentation and “Saras” was the epitome of a happy man. He confided “since I left the club, I knew I wanted to come back, some day. I didn’t think it would take that long, but anyway it happened and now we all have to look forward”. At his 36 year of age, he said he is ready to start working, help his team win and he let everybody know he worked hard to keep his body in a good shape: “I plan on getting my minutes, through hard work, every day”. And of course, he got… his No13.
Some hours earlier, one of Maccabi Tel Aviv‘s and Israeli’s greatest players – and also former Saras’ teammate – Tal Burstein announced his retirement, at a press conference (with David Blatt, Shimon Mizrahi and David Federman being beside him) at Nokia Arena. The 32-year old had to walk away, since he needs to undergo surgery on his hip, after his injury on April, during a game against Gilboa/Galil. “The doctors told me they cannot promise anything and that the chances of my getting back to the game, after the surgery weren’t that much, because of my age. I have to say, I feel relaxed, cause I took my time to… digest the new reality of my life, before I come here to tell you all about it. I’m excited to see so many friends here, today, with whom I went through a lot, all these years. I had an amazing career. I’m thankful for everything and I have to thank all the fans, for every experience I had with this team. I never could dream them, the organization, the coaches and the players. Everyone had an important part in my career”.
Also, Mickael Gelabale is ready to be Cedevita’s new player, with the French forward signing a one year deal. At this point, we have to remind you he has been before coach Bozidar Maljkovic’s player for two years, at Real Madrid!