By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Dimitris Itoudis announced his CSKA exit Sunday and the club confirmed the end of their collaboration Monday. Itoudis, who spent eight seasons with the Russian club, made statements on cskabasket.com upon the announcement of his departure.
“It’s been an amazing eight seasons,” he said. “Two titles in the Euroleague, many titles in the United League, the VTB League Super Cup, great matches, playoff series, winning streaks, records set by this team. And there’s more to come! The team existed before me and will become stronger after me, I have no doubt. I am very grateful to Andrey Vatutin, doctors, and coaches for their joint work, for the opportunity to grow and develop as a person, as a coach, and as a family man. I am proud of each and everyone who works in this great club. I got a relationship here, it’s family to me! I also want to thank the fans for their love and understanding. I don’t say goodbye, I say see you. CSKA is a great club with great traditions and a future. I am sure that the club will make every effort”.
CSKA boss Andrey Vatutin also made statements concerning the Greek coach and their long-term collaboration which led CSKA to two EuroLeague trophies.
“Dimitris came to us, in fact, as a novice specialist, and as a result, he entered history as one of the most successful coaches in European basketball and became a real symbol of our club,” said Vatutin. “Just look at the number of titles that we have won together, just remember that he is the leader of CSKA of all time in terms of the number of victories. Itoudis devoted himself entirely to the team, was a patriot of the club, always, in any situation, defended its interests, and thought about development. Dimitris and his wonderful family have developed a friendly relationship that I am very proud of. It’s a pity to leave, but that’s how life happened. I wish Dimitris and his family health, good luck, and new victories with the Greek national team and the new club”.
Itoudis’ contract with CSKA would end in 2023, though the two sides mutually agreed to part ways and now the coach will lead the Greek selection in the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket.