Papagiannis explains his departure from Panathinaikos to Fenerbahce / News - Basketnews.com

Papagiannis said he wanted a change in his career and that it was the most important component in making the decision to transfer to Fenerbahce.

Credit: Maçtan Kareler Credit Maçtan Kareler

Panathinaikos Athens almost completely revamped the roster during the last offseason. One of the biggest departures was that of a long-time big man Georgios Papagiannis.

Georgios Papagiannis

Team:Fenerbahce Beko IstanbulPosition:CAge:26Height:218 cmWeight:125 kgBirth place:Marousi, GreeceProfileNewsStatistics

The Greek center chose to continue his career with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, a move that was highly criticized by Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos. The player says that it was a long process, and the decision came to him naturally.

"It was definitely not a last-minute decision. I wouldn't gamble my career on a dice roll. The thought was put in before this move was made. It is always an honor to be in the plans of a team, and I thank the coach and Panathinaikos for having me in their plans, but I felt the need for a change after five years in the same environment. I was looking for a refresh, a new beginning, and that's why I chose to change my destination," Papagiannis told in an interview with Antonis Kalkavouras from Gazzetta.gr.

Papagiannis also felt that Dimitris Itoudis, the head coach of Fenerbahce, wanted to have him on the squad, which played a significant role in making the decision.

"Certainly, the coach and his staff saw something in me that I did well in Panathinaikos, and they wanted me on their team," the player said.

Meanwhile, Panathinaikos signed a wide variety of players, improving both the frontcourt and the backcourt. It was not a surprise for Papagiannis.

"There were no second thoughts. After all, I knew for a long time that the team would be strengthened," he said. "This was also seen from the return of Mr. Dimitris Giannakopoulos to the team. I knew that the budget would change, but my own decision was clearly based on the change I wanted to make in my career."

Papagiannis will now get a chance to play against his former club on Tuesday, October 17th, at 19:15 CET.

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