Willy Hernangomez says why he signed with Barca instead of Real Madrid / News - Basketnews.com

Hernangomez shared that Real Madrid didn't see a place for him on the roster, while Barca met him with open arms and offered him a project.

Credit: USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix Credit USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix

Willy Hernangomez's return from the NBA to Europe to sign with FC Barcelona was one of the biggest transfers in the EuroLeague this offseason. The player has now explained the thought process behind it.

In an interview with Nacho Duque from Marca, the big man shared why he did not sign with the team he previously played for in Spain until 2016 - Real Madrid.

"The number of people who have supported me and understood that I came in search of an opportunity, of a place where I feel valued, has surprised me for good," he said about the process.

Hernangomez told that multiple teams inquired about the opportunity to sign him, but Barca offered the best conditions for his future, contrary to Real Madrid.

"It is a recognition of the player that I am and want to be. I only asked for an opportunity," he said about the offers.

"I'm from Madrid, I was born here, but they did not see that I had a place here and I I just wanted to play. From the very first minute, Barca with Juan Carlos [Navarro] and Mario [Fernandez] made me feel loved, and they offered me a project," Hernangomez shared the reason. "For me, it's an exciting challenge, and I really want to go, adapt to a new city, be back home close to my family, and, above all, play, enjoy, and compete."

Like what we are doing? Support us by becoming BN+ member.