Mirotic on 3-pointer celebration in Madrid, yelling Jasikevicius, and the need of new arena / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Sonia Canada/Getty Images Credit Sonia Canada/Getty Images

Nikola Mirotic is happy in Barcelona. He loves the city, the weather and being so close to the sea and the mountain as well.

FC Barcelona / Schedule

UNIKS Kazan FC Barcelona70-64 FC Barcelona LDLC ASVEL VilleurbanneThu20:00 FC Barcelona FC Bayern MunichTue20:00

"I feel like I'm in Montenegro. This is my second home", said the Montenegrin in an interview with Gerard Romero on Twitch.

Mirotic is in his third season with FC Barcelona, having a huge impact on the team. He is having an MVP-worthy season so far, shooting above 60% from the 2-point zone and 50% from the 3-point line. No other player has a total of 400 PIR so far in the EuroLeague's regular season.

After the Clasico, the 30-year-old superstar had a deep talk with the journalist, where he scored 13 points, including a 3-point shot that sealed the game.

"We were playing a really good game, and we controlled our emotions better in the end when they cut the deficit. I wanted to celebrate my shot like crazy," he admitted.

"I am used to being yelled at and whistled in every single arena. That motivates me. It's like 'Do not worry, I have arrived, and you are going to see who I am'", continued Mirotic, asked about the pressure and the whistles he received from Real fans.

Mirotic extended his contract with FC Barcelona until 2025. After that, there was some information regarding a possible salary cut for him.

"I understand the club, and I have already helped them in the previous years. I just want to be focused on playing basketball. Some information was fake, but it's part of my job", said Mirotic.

The new Palau Blaugrana is set to be built in 2027, and Mirotic admitted that he cannot wait for the new Barcelona home.

"I do not know if I will be alive by that time (laughs). The most important thing is that we need a new arena. The atmosphere is always great here, and more people are likely to come. We need a bigger hall," ensured Nikola.

Points this season

49%83,0Points made:83,0Accuracy:48,5%Place in standings:1Record max:111Record min:64Best scorer:Nikola MiroticTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Mirotic was coached by Svetislav Pesic in his first year. Last season, Sarunas Jasikevicius took over the leadership. What does he think about the Lithuanian mastermind?

"It is not easy to cope with his yelling, but we are used to it as he does in each timeout. He is always there. He does not want us to be relaxed. He asks for more. He is getting the best from us," confessed the power forward.

Last year, Pau Gasol came back to Barcelona to finish his career. Mirotic could coincide again with the Spanish legend, as it happened back in Chicago and with the National Team.

"It was incredible for us. Other players, at that age, that career and money would have retired. But he wanted more, his desire was to conclude his journey with another title at home," described Mirotic.

Before coming back to Girona, his brother Marc was rumored to be on Barcelona's agenda too.

"I read something but did not believe it. Of course, I would have loved to play with him here, he is an extraordinary player. But I understand his decision," admitted the Montenegrin.

Asked about his teammates, Mirotic revealed that Calathes is the funniest one.

"He always walks without flip-flops. We gave him a pair because if not, he steals the others."

Additionally, he praised the young players. "Bolmaro surprised me last year. That's why he is in the NBA. Now I'm pleased to be practicing with Rafa Villar, James Nnaji, Michael Caicedo… they are good," he concluded.

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