By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
After an outstanding season in the VTB League with Enisey, Xavier Rathan-Mayes earned the call from Real Madrid. The newest addition of the Spanish powerhouse spoke on the club’s official social media profiles to discuss his recent move.
“To be able to come to and represent a club like Real Madrid is a huge thing. Real Madrid is the gold standard in Europe, people dream of being able to play here. Something that I’ve worked for my entire life. It’s an opportunity that means the world, something I’m extremely grateful for”, he first praised.
He also had thankful words for Chus Mateo, who gave him the opportunity to join such a glorious club.
“He seems like the perfect coach to play for. A player’s coach. He’s someone who allows his guys to be themselves. I’m excited to be able to play under a coach that gives freedom to his player within a system”, the 30-year-old Canadian guard continued.
Finally, considering his name hasn’t been circulating around the highest ranks in European basketball, he presented himself to the Spanish capital team’s audience prior to his EuroLeague debuting year.
“You’re getting a player of high character. A guy who can score the ball at an extremely high level, a guy who just wants to win. What makes me unique and really special is my ability to score the ball, as well as being able to create for guys. I’ll be put in a position where I’m able to be successful”, he said.
“I’m at that point right now where I’m hitting my prime. Mentally, physically, emotionally. I think that this is the perfect time for me to come to a place like Real Madrid, I’m playing my best basketball right now”, Xavier Rathan-Mayes ultimately concluded.
💬 @xrm_22: “Cuando piensas en ganar, piensas en jugar en el Real Madrid”.#WelcomeRathanMayes pic.twitter.com/LG5GFbqxTS
— Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) July 13, 2024
PHOTO CREDIT: FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023