By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After the misinterpretation of Serbian rock legend Zika Jelic and the intention to enjoy Route 66 with Miroslav Raduljica, the Serbian forward/center made it extremely clear that his playing career remains the number one priority.
“I have stated before that when I finish my career, I will go on Route 66 by motorbike. The idea of Zika Jelic and Bosko Cukic organizing the trip certainly came as something I would do,” he clarified to Mozzart Sport, “It bothered me that a sensation was being created. Why didn’t the media writing that story remember to come and film me training or interview me about the offers I have, whether I accept or not?”
Raduljica, 34, has been a free agent since parting ways with South Korea’s Goyang Carrot Jumpers last December. It was reported that he turned down offers from Serbia’s teams in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Crvena Zvezda mts and Partizan NIS, preferring the trip to the famous road of the USA.
“I don’t read newspapers that much, but friends told me that I rejected Partizan and Zvezda in order to go on a trip to the USA. That will definitely happen, but I don’t know when. For sure, I won’t put it ahead of my career, which is not over yet,” he mentioned, “I consider every offer very carefully and I certainly wouldn’t put personal satisfaction before such offers while I’m still an active player, especially from EuroLeague clubs. I’m aware that many consider me different but I would never do that.”
“I train every day, more than ever,” he added, “I’ve never been in better shape. Maybe because of age and experience, the fact that I am much more mature and more ready for some new challenges. I don’t remember training this much even when I was 20 years old. I think I’m in better shape now than when I was much younger. I’m waiting for something to come up. I am not picky. I am waiting for the right opportunity that will be worthy of my age, experience, and something I want in life.”
Over the course of his career, he has logged 53 games played in the NBA between the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves, and 70 games played in the EuroLeague. Moving to Asia painted the picture of the last three seasons.