By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Sylvain Francisco opened up about his swift move to Panathinaikos, revealing that the entire process was completed within a matter of hours.
After signing with ASVEL following a career-best season at Zalgiris Kaunas, Francisco ultimately joined Panathinaikos as the latest major addition to the Greens’ ambitious project.
“It feels amazing. I’m quite happy to be here and to return to Greece, but also to be at one of the biggest teams in Europe. I just can’t wait to meet the guys and everyone,” Francisco said.
The French international was returning from Mykonos when negotiations began moving rapidly.
“I was in Mykonos, so as soon as I landed, things were going left and right. Everything happened in a couple of hours, in a day,” he explained. “I’m just glad we made it happen with my agent and that I went where I wanted to go. The Panathinaikos staff did a good job at the same time, so it went so fast. The transfer and the transition were super fast. Here I am now, so that’s good.”
Francisco arrives in Athens after finishing second in the 2025-26 EuroLeague MVP voting. He averaged 16.7 points, 6.4 assists, 2.8 rebounds and a 19.5 PIR for Zalgiris during the regular season.
His relationships with French national team teammates Guerschon Yabusele, Mathias Lessort and Moustapha Fall also played an important role in the decision.
“Those guys were super important for me. I was talking to them mostly, and we already have chemistry, especially with the national team,” Francisco said. “To have this at a club is huge. For me, it’s going to be a lot of fun, but we’re also going to be serious about taking care of business. That’s the most important thing.”
The 28-year-old also welcomed the opportunity to work under Zeljko Obradovic.
“I just can’t wait. I know he’s a legend, a legendary coach, definitely. For me to be by his side and learn more from him is going to be good. I just can’t wait, to be honest.”
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