By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
CSKA Moscow announced that Russian wing Vitaly Fridzon is parting ways with the team after five seasons.
Fridzon, 32, had signed a two-year contract that included an option for a third year back in 2016. The club chose to not exercise this option and thus Fridzon is now a free agent.
Throughout his stint with CSKA, Fridzon helped the “Army Men” win the 2016 EuroLeague plus five VTB League and Russian League titles.
Per CSKA Moscow:
Russian National Team captain, the best scorer in the history of the VTB United League Vitaly Fridzon to leave CSKA after 5 seasons with the team.
Fridzon wore red and blue for the first time in 2013 and fulfilled his dreams about team honors by winning EuroLeague, 5 Russian League, and VTB League titles. Vitaly played 312 games for CSKA tied for 10 all-time with Kyle Hines. The player had 110 starts and averaged 7.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.2 blocked shots in 16.0 minutes. Currently, Fridzon leads the VTB League all-time list in scoring with 2171 points.
Andrey Vatutin, CSKA PBC President:
Vitaly is a unique person not just for Russian basketball but for sports overall. He is a spectacular, talented player, true and reliable fighter on the floor but he is also unbelievably open, good, responsive, friendly and hearty person. It is difficult to find an athlete who has everyone’s sympathy and respect. With no exaggeration, I would say that Fridzon has become the central, unifying figure for our team and my good friend. Vitaly is always keeping the fire inside, the competitiveness and desire to have the biggest possible impact on the team’s successes. This is great and we have no right to create the obstacles for him. So I say a big thank you and good luck, I hope that Vitaly will reach his goal and he will have the significant role in the next stage of his career.
Vitaly Fridzon:
Five years with CSKA is a big and serious period, and I will remember it with appreciation. I am glad that I was able to work on the same team with this people. I would like to say “thank you” to everyone. First of all, to Andrey Vatutin who invited me to CSKA. I knew where I go and what are my goals. I am sure that I answered the expectations with the way I played. I would like to thank all coaches, players, medics, and everyone on the club’s staff. Separate words of appreciation to the fans who supported and cheered for me. I hope they understand my professional ambitions and we will keep good relationships. Now the new path, a new era starts for me. See you on the court!
Click here for more EuroLeague news.