By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
AX Armani Exchange Milan has officially parted ways with experienced point guard Sergio Rodriguez. El Chacho has been linked to a possible return to Real Madrid since May.
Per the press release: “Olimpia Milano is thankful to Sergio Rodriguez for the three seasons that we spent together. We were able to accomplish excellent results, like winning the 2020 Supercup, the 2021 and 2022 Italian Cups, reaching the 2021 EuroLeague Final Four after a 29-year hiatus and finally the Italian league championship, in front of a packed Mediolanum Forum for three consecutive games.
More than that, Chacho Rodriguez brought his joyful, high-energy style, the so-called Chachsimo, in Milano, where it was appreciated as much as it was in Madrid. And again just by coming to Milano in the summer of 2019, Sergio changed the dynamics, the chemistry, he validated what Olimpia was trying to build. He paved the way for more great players to come, Luis Scola, Kyle Hines, Gigi Datome, Nicolò Melli to name a few. He changed the culture. There was an Olimpia team before Chacho and another with and after Chacho. His leaving is painful but at the same time it takes place at the right time, after a big win. He leaves as an hero. The night after the championship was won, he posted a picture at the Dome with his wife and said “Milano Nostra”, “Our Milano”. That’s true. He loves Milano and Milano loves him back. Forever.
During his stay in Milan, other than winning, Sergio Rodriguez surpassed several EuroLeague milestones, like the 300 games played, the 3.000 points scored, the 1.500 assists dished, the 500 threes made. He also became the third Olimpia player to appear in more than 100 EuroLeague games, he became the all-time third-best scorer behind Bob McAdoo and Vlado Micov, the first for assists made and threes made. But his legacy will last well beyond the numbers.”
Mr. Giorgio Armani’s statement on Sergio Rodriguez’s farewell to Milan: “Chacho was an exemplary Captain for his behavior, dedication to the team, unselfishness. For three years, he has helped us win and have fun with style and elegance, adding that touch of healthy competitiveness that our fans appreciate so much. Today, he leaves us with the same spirit. This is why this is not a sad day but a day to celebrate the three years that we spent together. But he and his family will always be part of us.”
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net