By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Among the numerous fans of Luigi Datome, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan owner Giorgio Armani wished to comment on the news of the impending retirement of the experienced forward following a long career with plenty of highlights at both the club and senior level.
“During the three years we spent together, Gigi Datome showed us what it means to be a true leader: a champion of basketball skills, but above all of perseverance in overcoming obstacles and adversity,” noted the Italian fashion designer and owner of Olimpia Milan, “A great example on and off the court, with the many wins he helped us to conquer, he will remain in Olimpia’s moral heritage.”
Datome, 35, will stay with the team based in Milan following playing days. After competing in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, his final showings with Italy’s senior national team will combine with the conclusion of his professional career.
“The announced retirement is a courageous choice because it takes place in one of the best moments of his activity. But Datome can retire with a Scudetto on his chest, with the best player of the finals award in his hand, surrounded by the embrace of his fans and the cheer of all fans of the sport,” added Armani, “I am sincerely admired.”
Battling injuries through most of the 2022-23 season, Datome averaged 3.7 points per contest over six appearances in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Logging 30 games played at the domestic level, he put in 6.2 rebounds and 1.6 rebounds per game on the way to being crowned LBA champion for the third time.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net