By Antonis Stroggylakis / info@eurohoops.net
Nando De Colo’s EuroLeague journey came to an end in Athens.
Fenerbahçe fell to Olympiacos in the EuroLeague Final Four semifinal, 79-61, meaning the legendary French guard played the final EuroLeague game of his career.
One of the greatest players in modern European basketball history, De Colo leaves the competition as a two-time EuroLeague champion with CSKA Moscow and one of the most accomplished guards the league has ever seen. Over the course of his career, he appeared in 357 EuroLeague games and built a legacy defined by elite scoring, efficiency, leadership and consistency at the highest level.
Immediately after the game, emotions were still fresh.
“I’m sad. I’m disappointed about the result, but we have to give credit to Olympiacos. They played a great game. We didn’t play the right way and it wasn’t enough to stay in the game,” De Colo said.
The 38-year-old admitted that the moment truly hit him when he looked toward his family after the final buzzer.
“It’s even more difficult when you look at your family and they know it’s the end. I still have a few more games because the Turkish league is ahead of us, but yes, this was my last EuroLeague game.”
Although his EuroLeague chapter is over, De Colo said he will need time before fully reflecting on everything he achieved throughout his career.
“I think I will take more time, once everything is over, to recall everything I did during my career.”
Despite the painful defeat, De Colo also expressed support for Olympiacos guard Evan Fournier, who is still chasing his first EuroLeague title.
“I think they have a big chance to go all the way. They are playing at home, they have all the support behind them, they had a great season and experience. I think they learned from last year and the year before. I hope Evan wins the trophy.”
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