By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The press conference ahead of Friday’s Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four Semifinals featured opening statements by Jordi Bertomeu, President and CEO of Euroleague Basketball.
“I want to welcome everyone to the 2021 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four. It is with great pleasure I say these words. It has been a long and difficult journey over the last 15 months,” he said, “We are extremely happy to be here in Cologne and waiting for another EuroLeague champion to be crowned a Sunday.”
FC Barcelona will go against AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milano and Anadolu Efes will face Anadolu Efes tomorrow. The winners will advance to Sunday’s championship game.
“This is a special Final Four in a special season for many different reasons,” pointed out Bertomeu, “In addition to the traditional major effort that all clubs make to get here in a normal season, we need to add all the extra ones required to adapt to a new and everchanging situation. It’s thanks to that incredible effort, the tenacity, the resilience shown by all teams, players, coaches, referees, and other personnel, that we have managed to overcome all sorts of challenges and had the chance to enjoy this great moment. Big thanks to all of them.”
Fans will not be attending the Final Four, but Bertomeu thanked them for their constant support.
“The Final Four is also special because of the incredible support that our teams have had from the fans, the cornerstone of this league, and our reason for being here. Even from afar, we have felt them closer than ever and we are grateful for that,” he said, “This motivates us all to continue working hard and elevate that experience that more and more fans are enjoying every season. We all miss you in the arenas filling the stands with your colors, chanting, tirelessly supporting your team. This is where you belong. And we hope to see you very soon in person.”