Vildoza: «I came to win it all!»
Luca Vildoza, who is now a member of a tiny group of players who have worn both the eternal rivals' jerseys, talked to OlympiacosBC.gr about his goals with the 'red & whites' and explained why the decision to sign with the Piraeus team was an easy one.
«I don't know how many players have worn both jerseys, but I feel special based on experience. Two of the greatest and most historic teams in Europe, the best in Greece wanted me to be a part of their organization and that's something special. I was really happy to sign with Panathinaikos last year and feel even happier now to belong with Olympiacos. I feel truly welcomed in my new team. I have already talked with quite a few of the people on the team and I sincerely feel good».
On whether he found it hard to say yes to the 'red & whites' offer, he said: «I can't say that it was a difficult decision. I know that last year I haven't had the opportunities that I would have wanted. I got injured, and when I got back, I didn't have the chance to play the way I, and everybody else was expecting me to. So, the best I could do to 'fix' that was to leave. They signed a new player in my position. There had been some offers from other teams, but honestly, when you taste success, you don't want to go back... I know that Olympiacos is aiming to win the Euroleague and that's what I want too. I want to win and to show everyone and first of all to myself that I can again find myself on the floor. I want to show everyone that last season's Luca is no longer here!».
Despite being crowned the European and Greek Champion with Panathinaikos, last season wasn't ideal for him. «Last season was very hard for me. I had to adjust my game to playing for only a few minutes and sometimes not at all. Honestly, that's hard for me. I have had some injuries that made the coach's decision not to use me even easier. In general, I was happy during my time with Panathinaikos. The decision to sign with Olympiacos has nothing to do with any kind of revenge. I don't want the fans to think something like that. They treated me well, we won everything and I left with positive feelings for everyone in the organization. My decision had to do with the fact that I love Greece and the way OIympiacos approached me. Their way was different. They made me feel special. I talked with the coach and I once again felt I was welcomed to a team. That was really important. I had no doubts whether I should sign or not».
Talking about his expectations in view of the new season, he said: «I aim high. I chose Olympiacos for one reason. And that is to win it all! I will give 100% and show my true colors to a huge team like Olympiacos. I can't wait for the season to begin».
Finally, the Argentinian guard sent a message to the Olympiacos fans. «We need your support! I suffered here as an opponent in previous seasons. I know you are special. I hope you will continue being by our side and we are going to do everything to give you joy winning the Euroleague, the Basket League and the Greek Cup».