By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
In a surprising press conference, Nikola Vujicic announced his departure from Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv at the end of the season. “I only have two important things in my life, my family and Maccabi,” said the Maccabi legend, who served for the last 10 years as the club’s sporting director, “I am yellow in the soul until the end.”
“It took me a while to prepare for this,” said the former Croatian center, “for 30 years, basketball has been my life. I had no time for myself and no time for my family. I have been part of the Maccabi family for 16 years. We had a lot of joy and, of course, a little mess. I decided that at the end of the season I would take a break and I will leave Maccabi. I decided to say this, to be honest with my friends and my wife. I only have two important things in life, my family and Maccabi.”
“I feel that I have an obligation to be honest with the Maccabi owners, with the media, and with the Maccabi fans who deserve such transparency,” Vujic continued, “There is a whole season ahead of us and I have to do it now. I think we have a great team with a great atmosphere and we can reach the highest achievements.”
“I want to say something: this man is a legend not only in his country and for his family, but a legend for Maccabi and he will remain so for the rest of our history,” said Maccabi owner David Federman. “Not only was he a great player, but he is a great person and we love him. It’s hard to find the words to thank him for everything on my behalf and on behalf of my partners. I have no doubt that you will continue to be associated with us and I think you made the right decision for your family.”
“When you arrived, you asked to go to ASVEL and then they won the championship and the cup with you for the first time in their history. You came back and helped us win all the titles. Thank you for everything,” admitted president Shimon Mizrahi.
“There were also difficult years in sports and business, but out of 16 years, there were also many beautiful years. I always gave my best. I tried to be a good guy and not hurt anyone. Even when Shimon sent me to ASVEL, it was to make me better. There is no other club in the world that I can call it home like that. I feel more Israeli than the Israelis. I love the country and the people here,” concluded Nikola Vujicic.
Photo credit: Maccabi Tel Aviv