By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Klemen Prepelic confirmed talking to YouTube channel 2contra1 that Real Madrid let him go after Jaycee Carroll opted to play one more year rather than retiring following the conclusion of the 2019-20 season. He since moved his talents to Valencia returning to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
“It all started in February. Jaycee (Carroll) changed his mind three times whether to retire or not,” he recalled, “My manager and myself then started to search possible options for the next season. Valencia was interested last season, but Real Madrid did not let me go. I had offers from Russia, Fenerbahce…”
“I spoke with Igor (Kokoskov),” he added regarding his initial options for the next step following the Whites, “I also spoke with Bayern Munich, but the offer was not as good. Also, Baskonia was very interested. But I preferred Valencia right from that start considering its project more attractive.”
Back in 2018, he inked a two-year contract and one year later was loaned to Joventut Badalona for the 2019-20 season.
“The idea for last season was a loan to another Liga Endesa team to gain more experience and confidence before returning to Madrid with Jaycee retiring,” he mentioned, “When he changed his mind and decided to play one more year, they told me in May that I can look for other options. They were fair to me.”
He is no longer attached to the team based in the Spanish capital. Over his first five EuroLeague games with Valencia summed up 6.3 points and 3.7 assists per game, also averages 9.6 points per ACB match.
“It was not my decision,” he furthered on his exit, “If someone asked me in May whether I wanted to return to Madrid, I would have said of course. I wanted a second chance to show that I can play for the team.”