Pierre Oriola shares a farewell message to Barcelona / News - Basketnews.com

Pierre Oriola announced the end of his five-year presence at FC Barcelona, thanking his teammates and the club's fans.

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com-Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com-Scanpix

It was a common secret, but it still had to be confirmed. Pierre Oriola is no longer an FC Barcelona player.

Pierre Oriola

Team:FC BarcelonaPosition:PF, CAge:30Height:206 cmWeight:107 kgBirth place:Barcelona, SpainProfileNewsStatistics

The former captain of the Catalan powerhouse took to his Instagram account to announce his departure after five years at the club and two years before his last deal would expire. Oriola, who is currently a free agent, missed much of last season with a complicated sacroiliac joint injury.

In the statement, he calls the time spent at Barca as "his dream".

“Hello fans, today I put an end to a dream. My dream.

Five years wearing the jersey of the best club in the world, defending these colors in every game and, above all, being aware at all times of what Barca is and what this emblem means.

I am leaving by technical decision two years before the end of my contract (terminated unilaterally by the club on June 30, 2022), but knowing that I always gave my best when I had the opportunity. I'm leaving with the calmness and the pride of someone who gives 100% from the first to the last day, but that doesn't mean that this wasn't the end I wanted at this club.

Thanks to all the teammates I've had by my side over the years and to all the people who made it possible for me to be part of this great family.

Lastly and most importantly, thank you Palau. I have nothing but gratitude for all of you. For those who have always been loyal to the team and have always had good words for me. You have made me feel at home from day one and I will take it with me forever.

See you soon."

The Tarrega-born big man joined FC Barcelona in 2017 and was named team captain in 2020. Over the last five years, he logged 142 EuroLeague appearances, tallying 5.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game.

Coming in from Valencia in 2017, he penned a four-year contract. Three years later, he inked a contract extension until the end of the 2023-24 season.

Oriola's name has already sounded as a potential target for Girona. However, Barca haven't yet announced what type of agreement has been reached with the player.

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