Sertac Sanli on leaving Efes for Barca: 'I want to be a part of something different' / News - Basketnews.com

News that Sertac Sanli is leaving Anadolu Efes Istanbul for FC Barcelona stunned the basketball world. Turkish players rarely leave their home country to play elsewhere, especially after winning the Euroleague title for the very first time.

Sertac Sanli

Team:FC BarcelonaPosition:CAge:30Height:212 cmWeight:115 kgBirth place:Istanbul, TurkeyProfileNewsStatistics

BasketNews' weekly show 'And One' with Martyna Motum sat down with Sanli to talk about his transfer to the Spanish powerhouse, the unwavering desire to collect legos, and lack of emotions on the court.

A Turkish player transferring from a Turkish team to play in a foreign club is an unusual occasion. This announcement caught some of Sertac's friends off guard so that a number of them asked for Barca memorabilia when he comes back.

"Somebody called and said 'Can you bring me something?'," Sanli noted. "Everybody wants to see me in Barca jersey."

The Turkish center was delighted to seize the opportunity to join Barca: "I want to be a part of something different."

New places come with new challenges, but Sertac is certain: "I'm still trying to get to know my teammates, but overall I'm really glad for this chance."

Moving further away from basketball, Sanli is an avid lego collector. Asked about his hobby, Sertac was humble: "Not a big collection, it's just a hobby."

Even though the center doesn't emphasize legos as an important part of his daily life, he would ultimately want to have a separate room for all lego creations. "I want to do that, but I need a bigger house," Sanli noted.

Colorful return to Istanbul, Turkish tea, his name's pronunciation, and much more in the new 'And One' episode with Martyna Motum.

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