Mathias Lessort sends a message to Partizan fans after transfer to PAO / News - Basketnews.com

Lessort thanked Partizan fans for changing his life and promised to remain a grobari forever.

Credit: Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic Credit Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic

After two seasons in Serbia with Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, star center Mathias Lessort will play for Panathinaikos Athens. The day after the transfer, the Frenchman sent a message to his now-former team's fans.

2-pointers this season

55%20,6Points made:20,6Accuracy:55,4%Place in standings:4Record max:29Record min:12Most made 2FGs:Mathias LessortTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Lessort posted a photo of him celebrating a win with the Grobari - the Partizan ultras group - on Instagram alongside a message to the black-and-whites.

"I didn't play for Partizan for a year and a half, I lived Partizan," he wrote. "Thank you Partizan for trusting me and for the opportunity you gave me. I will miss this team my teammates, the staff, y'all made this season a special one to remember for life."

"Grobari, you will forever be in my heart. Thank you for accepting me, thank you for loving me, thank you for changing my life, thank you for the impact you had on me and my family. I can keep going all night on how much y'all did for me! I will wear another jersey next year but I'm forever a grobari," Lessort said. "Hvala ti za sve, porodica."

Coming in as an unproven big man, Lessort blossomed under Zeljko Obradovic's watch, establishing himself as one of the best players in his position in Europe. Last season in the EuroLeague, Lessort averaged 12.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists for 19.1 PIR.

Lessort helped Partizan win their first ABA League trophy in 10 years. The Serbian club played in the EuroLeague after an 8-year absence and went to the playoffs where they ended up losing to eventual champions Real Madrid.

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