Kemba Walker reveals the reasons why he signed with Monaco / News - Basketnews.com

Walker said that Monaco's belief in his was the main reason why he decided to continue his career in the EuroLeague. The guard wants to put his injury troubles behind him and thinks that his career in the NBA was a success whether he returns to the league or not.

Credit: AP - Scanpix Credit AP - Scanpix

AS Monaco shocked the European basketball community on Friday after they announced the signing of former NBA All-Star Kemba Walker. A day after the news broke out, the player gave his first interview.

Talking with the club's official website, the Charlotte Hornets' all-time leading scorer named the reasons why he decided to move to Europe to continue his career in the EuroLeague.

"The club was very interested in me, and I just wanted to be part of a club that wanted me, that believed in me. I saw that the management felt that I could help them reach another level. That's what convinced me, and what made me decide to join Monaco," he said. "I just want to keep playing basketball at a high level, and Monaco allows me to."

Before coming to Monaco, Kemba has contacted one of his friends - the current Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade guard Shabazz Napier - to help him make the final decision.

"I've only heard good things about the EuroLeague. And I have many friends who play in this competition. One of my former college teammates and one of my closest friends Shabazz Napier gave me a lot of advice in making this decision," Walker revealed.

"I know a lot of players who have played abroad, and I've had only good feedback on this competition," he said about the EuroLeague. "I can't wait to fight it out [on the court], it will be an extraordinary moment."

Walker spent 12 years in the NBA before signing with Monaco. He is a four-time All-Star, he was once named to the All-NBA Third Team. Kemba says that his career in the strongest league in the world was a success.

"I think I've had a very successful career. I don't think that when I came to the NBA, people saw me being a four-time All-Star, or doing what I was able to do, especially at the Hornets, especially as a small point guard," the player said.

"I've had a pretty incredible career and I'm proud of it. This is all the fruit of hard work, and that's all I wanted. I love basketball so much you wouldn't even know," he continued. "My only obsession was to get better every year. It was my goal to grow, to be the best teammate I could be, and to try to rebuild the Hornets franchise."

Walker has been plagued by multiple serious injuries in the last several years. He welcomes his move with excitement after being able to finally put all the troubles behind him.

"It was really very hard for me but I want to leave those difficult years behind me. That's why I keep working and training hard. Like I said before, I love this game so much, I don't want to give it up yet," Kemba shared. "I don't think my time is up yet. I want to keep going until I can't take it anymore. Having fun, being surrounded by great people. I welcome this opportunity in Monaco, and I want to help build something."

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