Jasikevicius remembers first years of independent Lithuania: 'We are lucky to have a democracy' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com-SCANPIX Credit ZUMAPRESS.com-SCANPIX

Sarunas Jasikevicius talked about Lithuania's independence on the radio show El mati de Catalunya Radio. The FC Barcelona's head coach remembered the difficult times he lived when he was a child and how proud the people are of being a free nation and country.

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"When you become independent from Russia it's tough because they cut you everything", began Saras. "I was used to queueing with my parents for food.

"Afterward, you are glad to be an independent country. We are delighted of being part of NATO", continued the 46-year-old.

Jasikevicius explained his memories of the period when there was a shortage of commodity products.

"We were running out of food, drink, gas... I clearly remembered the first years of our independence. There were queues to buy rice, toilet paper… Everything was limited," he admitted.

Jasikevicius is well-known as a Lithuanian ambassador over the world, one of the reasons why he is idolized.

"I had the chance to study in the United States, and when I came back every summer I was able to see new things, how everything was being built. Fortunately, I have been able to live for nine years in my country. We are lucky for being independent, having a democracy, and choosing our fate", Sarunas concluded.

A few weeks ago, when the war in Ukraine began, Jasikevicius sent a clear message to all the Spanish society.

"If people think they are living too far away they are wrong," Jasikevicius said back then. "I have always been against politics, but this is not politics, this is a war. You go on Facebook or see pictures and you feel terrible. It's going to be a stain on our lives. This is worse than the pandemic."

FC Barcelona will host Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in the last round of the EuroLeague Regular Season on Thursday at 8 pm (CET). The Blaugranas are still waiting for their rival in the quarter-finals.

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