Shengelia: I have the same goals and ambitions as the club

Toko Shengelia was introduced to the press at Casa Virtus: “It’s an honor to be here, I was very happy when I was offered the chance to come to a club with this roster and with these recent victories. I wanted to be part of it, I know there is the goal to win the Cup, qualify for the Euroleague and win the championship again: I thank Mr. Zanetti for the opportunity he gave me”.

Goals? What can Virtus count for your career? “I have the same goals as the club, arrive to bring energy and experience, and work together to win without thinking about personal goals. For me this means a lot, it’s a great opportunity, arriving at a club that already had so many ambitions, having been built to win.”

The days before the signing were humanly difficult. “To say it was difficult for me would not be fair to what are the real difficulties in other parts of the world. I was sure it would be the right choice. I was very happy, I repeat, to be able to choose Virtus but, I repeat, other are the problems.”

The level of the Eurocup? “Everyone knows it’s a high level, with teams that could do well even in the Euroleague. Bologna is one of them, I’ve seen some games and it’s clear that it could compete even at a higher level.”

You signed until June. “Everything happened so quickly, I took time to understand what I want both for me and for my family.”

Did Hackett have any input into your decision? “We talked to each other, he told me that this company has a great organization, has nothing to envy to CSKA, and does everything to make the players feel good. I also spoke with Scariolo, he also contributed to my choice.”

Have you seen the team yet? “I know it has ambitions with concrete foundations, I think we can go as far as we can.”

You saw the derby yesterday. “Funny, things like that I have seen very few in my career. I would have loved to play, I was ready to put on my singlet.”

Your physical situation? “I’ve been down for a while, but I’m working on being ready as soon as possible. I’ll be on the court on Wednesday.”

Sanikidze spoke highly of you. “I talked to him often, he told me he was happy with this signing, telling me how good the environment and the company is. We discussed at length, he also contributed in this choice because Viktor really loves this square.”