By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
Yesterday, the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported interest from Partizan Belgrade over Milano‘s captain Nicolò Melli, as the Serbian team was ready to put 2.5 million euros per year to try bringing the experience forward to the black-and-white side of Belgrade.
Interviewed by Mozzart Sport, Partizan Belgrade’s president Ostoja Mijailovic completely denied the report from Italy. “We never talked about [Nicolò] Melli. At the moment we don’t have any plans for next season. First of all, I would like to extend cooperation with the guys whose contracts are expiring, and with whom the coaching staff is satisfied”, he first commented at Partizan Belgrade’s annual cocktail party.
The Serbian president went on to speak about the Italian power forward. “There was never any talk about [Nicolò] Melli and we can’t pay that astronomical contract that is being mentioned. Those stories were published from who knows which side and I am not interested”, Partizan Belgrade’s own then added.
Entering the 2023-24 season after ending the 2023 FIBA World Cup in the 8th position with the Italian national team, the 32-year-old veteran player has been averaging 7.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in the EuroLeague Regular Season with Ettore Messina’s team.
Commenting on the latest addition of Jaleen Smith, Ostoja Mijailovic is optimistic. “Jaleen [Smith] has just arrived, I don’t know what to expect. He was chosen by the coaching staff as a potential reinforcement. I believe that they have chosen well, as with the whole team. I really believe in what our coaching staff and the sports sector are doing”, he said about the former Virtus Bologna player.
PHOTO CREDIT: EA7 Emporio Armani Milano