By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Mario Hezonja has bid farewell to Real Madrid after four seasons with the Spanish powerhouse, describing his departure as a goodbye to the place he considered home.
“After much reflection over the past month, I’ve decided to focus on the good,” Hezonja wrote in a lengthy message addressed to the club and its supporters.
“During my time in Madrid, I’ve been fortunate enough to share a locker room and my life with extraordinary teammates and coaches, people with whom I know I’ll maintain a lifelong relationship.”
The Croatian forward reserved a significant part of his message for the Madrid fans and the bond he developed with them.
“Here, from day one, the message was very clear to me: win everything. And we did it: games, battles, wars, titles… EVERYTHING! But if anyone has won me over forever, it has been you.
You’ve taught me what it means to feel the closeness of a club that is lived as a family. You’ve turned me into a true winner. The union between my mentality, my character, my personality and my competitive spirit with Real Madrid’s DNA is, without a doubt, one of the best things that has happened to me in life.”
Hezonja joined Real Madrid in 2022 and won six trophies with the club, including the 2023 EuroLeague championship. He completed his final season in Spain by being named the 2025-26 Liga Endesa MVP.
“The moment I thought would never come has arrived: leaving Real Madrid, leaving my home,” he continued. “This decision does not come from a lack of your affection or a lack of desire to keep fighting for this badge, but from circumstances that have led me to take a different path.”
Hezonja also thanked president Florentino Perez, Alberto Herreros and Rudy Fernandez, before dedicating a separate message to Juan Carlos Sanchez.
“And, most especially, Juan Carlos Sanchez, for everything he has given me and for the way he handled my contract so I could continue pursuing my dream of playing in the NBA. I will be eternally grateful.”
The 31-year-old forward is returning to the NBA after agreeing to a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He last played in the league during the 2019-20 season with the Portland Trail Blazers, after previous spells with the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks.
“I hope our paths cross again someday. I wish you all the best. I will always follow the team closely. THANK YOU! HALA MADRID AND NOTHING ELSE!”
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