Marco Belinelli meets the EuroLeague: 'I still have that fire inside' / News - Basketnews.com

Marco Belinelli still feels the love for the game and admits that he's currently negotiating a contract extension with Virtus Bologna.

Credit: Michele Nucci/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire-Scanpix Credit Michele Nucci/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire-Scanpix

Virtus Segafredo Bologna are making a comeback to the EuroLeague for the first time after 14 years. Similarly, this will be the first Marco Belinelli's season in the top European competition since 2007.

He's 36 years old now, returning to play for the club where his high-level career started way back in 2002. Despite all that, Belinelli is certain that this is not the end.

"With Virtus, we're talking about a contract extension," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I love this game, I feel great and I still have that fire inside."

Belinelli's contract expires after the upcoming season, which will be the 20th in his career. He's won the Eurocup, he's won the NBA but he's never won the EuroLeague. The Italian shooter feels that it's important for him to be here, especially with the club making a comeback to the big stage.

"I'm full of energy and excitement. I missed the EuroLeague when I was playing in the United States, I used to follow as many games as possible. Now I have the opportunity to play again in this competition and I'm very curious about what will happen," Belinelli told. "This is also a very important moment for the club, that has been away from the competition for 14 years. The city of Bologna was waiting for this moment."

Virtus will start their season on Friday against AS Monaco who also have only the highest goals in the tournament. The match is scheduled to start at 20:30 CET.

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