By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
After 22 years in professional basketball, Manolis Papamakarios announced his retirement with the following letter:
“A very beautiful journey in professional basketball has come to an end after 22 years.
All things in life come to an end, and for me, it’s time to step out of action. I leave full of pleasant memories without this meaning that there were no bad moments. But when your love for what you do, unpleasant moments are automatically forgotten.
At first, I would like to thank all those who have been with me all these years. So, I will say a great thank you from the bottom of my heart to all those who helped me with every step and every choice.
I would also like to ask for a great apology for those who have been saddened along the way. I certainly did not do it on purpose. I want to stress out that basketball, for me, is not a way of life. It’s just my whole life.
Until we meet again.
With Honor,
Manolis Papamakarios”
Papamakarios began his professional career with the Greek League club Peristeri in 1998, then moved to Makedonikos in 2004, and joined Olympiacos Piraeus in 2005. After spending three seasons with Olympiacos, he left for Panellinios.
In the following years, Papamakarios moved to Spain and played for Gipuzkoa and Fuenlabrada, before returning to Greece for KAOD. He spent the previous season with Faros of the Greek League.