Juancho Hernangomez gets first taste of Panathinaikos fans / News - Basketnews.com

Almost 400 Panathinaikos fans were impatiently waiting for Juancho Hernangomez to appear at the Athens International Airport.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

The timing wasn't the best, since Panathinaikos Athens football team is playing a crucial game for the UEFA Champions League qualifiers at 19:30 CET, but still, there were plenty of fans waiting for a first meeting with Juancho Hernangomez.

Juan Hernangomez

Position:PFAge:27Height:206 cmWeight:104 kgBirth place:Madrid, SpainProfileNewsStatistics

The Spanish forward arrived in Athens at 19:25 local time (18:25 CET) to have a first acquaintance with the people of Panathinaikos, where he will be playing for the next two years. Hernangomez briefly left the preparation of Spain national team. He will stay for a few hours in Greece to pass medicals and arrange some of the details for his future stay. On Wednesday afternoon, he will immediately return to his home country.

Hundreds of PAO fans (350, according to police estimates) were eagerly waiting at Gate 7 of Athens International Airport. Juancho was wearing a team shirt and a pair of green shoes. His earrings had the form of a shamrock, PAO's emblem. Nothing was left to chance.

"I don't know about destiny or luck. I played in Athens last year against Greece NT and fell in love with the city and the fans. They say that when Panathinaikos play here, it's a crazy atmosphere. I can't wait to see that and play for this team," the Spanish player said upon arrival.

"I'm very happy and excited for this project," Juancho continued. "We'll try to win everything and we're going to start working on that. I see the fans are waiting and it's going to be fun."

Juancho was asked about his brother Willy who signed with FC Barcelona, even though Panathinaikos had pursued him.

"I'm looking forward to playing every game. Of course, playing against my brother is the best thing. We've been doing that in the NBA and the national team. Those games are going to be more interesting. He chose what's best for him," he commented.

The 27-year-old forward assured that he's glad to have become the only second Spaniard in Panathinaikos' history after Ferran Martinez (1996-98).

"I'm feeling glad to be here and represent my country. It's a historic club, one of the best in the last 20 years," he said.

Just seconds before having his first taste of PAO fans, Juancho referred to the hype that his signing was accompanied with.

"To be honest, I've been on a lot of teams and I've never received so many text messages from fans before I signed," he remarked. "Even after I signed, I received a lot of congratulations from Greek fans. I feel loved."

The former NBA player pointed out that he's aware of what his future teammates had been doing in recent years.

"Lessort was a beast last year in the EuroLeague. Sloukas is a legend and I've played many times against Vildoza with the Argentinian national team," he concluced.

Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.