By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Eight years after opting to make his way back from the NBA across the Atlantic and join Fenerbahce, Jan Vesely announced his departure and Fenerbahce Beko confirmed Tuesday.
“It is very difficult for me to write these words. After eight years together, our journey is coming to an end,” the Czech big man wrote in the message shared on Instagram, “I would like to thank you for making this place a home for me and my family.”
Vesely, 32, was crowned Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion in 2017 and was named MVP a couple of years later. As a player of Fener, he also celebrated multiple domestic titles, including this season’s BSL title as the Finals MVP.
“The most important things in my life happened here in Istanbul. From getting married and my son being born in Istanbul, to winning EuroLeague in front of you, the most amazing fans in the world,” he described the last eight years on and off the court, “It was an honor to give blood, sweat and tears for the jersey that you all love so much… For the jersey that I fell in love during my stay here. Fenerbahce will always be deeply in my heart and I can’t wait to come back to Turkey one day, because Istanbul and Fenerbahce will always be my home. Thank you for everything and see you soon.”
New Fenerbahce head coach Dimitris Itoudis had hinted at parting ways with Vesely. The experienced big man has been in advanced talks with FC Barcelona the past few weeks, as reported by Eurohoops, and is expected to join the Catalonia giant during the offseason.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net