Bologna, July 26 –
During his latest trip to Italy, at the at the beginning of July, Manu Ginobili, a legend of world basketball and undisputed champion in a Virtus jersey, gave an exclusive interview to the official channels of Virtus Segafredo Bologna:
“I always say that Bologna means a lot to me. – says Ginobili – I spent two unforgettable years here, not only because of what we won, since we did so well, but also because I had so much fun. I grew up as a player here and I became what I was in the NBA. I’m so pleased to be back.
The former Spurs came back to the Emilia Romagna capital after a nearly 20-year absence. “Twenty-one years ago, I left Bologna for San Antonio, it’s been 18 years since I’ve been in Bologna, and when I walk around the city so many memories come to mind.”
Coach Scariolo wanted to greet the former NBA Champion with a video-message: “You’re for sure one of the references to look at among the team, in order to strive for excellence” – emphasizes the Vu Nere Head Coach. Ginobili, who was listening to the message in reverent silence, is immediate: “These are some nice words. I arrived here without knowing exactly what to expect. I arrived from Reggio Calabria I was hungry, I wanted to do well, I wanted to win and grow up. I never expected that in two years all these things would happen. This picture shows an incredible moment for me. Until that exact moment I had never won anything. I had never won with the national team, in Argentina, with Reggio. This is the moment when I became who I am.”
Eventually he talks about his European memories and his happiness for Virtus Segafredo Bologna’s comeback in the EuroLeague: “My memories in the EuroLeague are amazing, we won the first one, then in 2002 we lost in the final, which was a devastating one, and I am extremely happy that Virtus is back where it should be. This is the place where everything happened, where I grew up. I always want to thank this Club.”
The former Virtus Champion ended the interview with a love note: “Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to come back earlier since I live between Argentina and San Antonio, Italy is far away and after the end of the season I want to rest and see my family, but Bologna and Italy in general has a special place in my heart.”
