Walkup: «In love with Olympiacos»!
Thomas Walkup admitted to OlympiacosBC.gr that when he was getting to wear the 'red & white' jersey in 2020, deep down he knew that Piraeus was going to become home! From today (12/04) and following the extension of his contract through summer of 2027, we get to know that too!
"I'm extremely excited! I'm more excited than any previous time I had signed a contract!" he commented talking for the team's official web page. "We continue building something special here with Olympiacos. I owe a huge thanks to the Presidents, Panagiotis and Giorgos Angelopoulos, for believing in me and trusted me to be a part of this team. I'm grateful for that. I'm grateful to the Administration, to the General Director, the coaching staff and to all those who trusted me".
Talking about the reasons that led him to decide staying in Piraeus for 4 more years, he said: "The reason I was inclined to absolutely commit to Olympiacos is because I love being here! That simple! They have shown their trust and devotion in me and I in turn show my trust and devotion to them. That's the reason that made my decision so easy. I love being here. I love the coaches, my teammates, the locker rooms, the culture we have built and continue building. I love the administration and all those working for the team for the way they treat all the players, with so much respect. It's a very special place to play and that's why I don't want to leave. For me, there's no better place to be playing!"
Asked about whether his goals are now changing, he replied: "No. they are the same to those I had when first coming here. I want to win triple crowns! In my age and in this stage of my career, this is what excites me. That was my goal when I first came here, and it remains the same not only on a personal level, but also as Olympiacos in general. It's one of the reasons I love this team so much, because it's goal oriented and its goals are high".
When he was signing his first contract with Olympiacos in the summer of 2021, deep down he knew that he would be staying many more years than written on his deal. "Yes, I believed I would be staying for a long time! I chose this team two years ago, because whenever I came to this gym as an opponent, I would be thinking that I could be playing and living here for a long time. That's why I fell in love with Olympiacos that fast, because I knew it was the right place for me from the start! I fell in love with everything, basketball, the team, life in Greece... So yes, I can say that I'm very, very happy and blessed for how things evolved".
Finally, he did not omit sending his message to the 'red & white' fans. "Thank you! Thank you for believing in me and for supporting me in good times and bad! I'm so lucky and blessed to be playing for these fans, who are so supportive and have shown their love from the first day I landed in Piraeus! Thank you! Let's continue this beautiful route together".