On Christmas Day, Galatasaray announced the return of Vladimir Micov as sporting director. The former Olimpia Milano player, who won a EuroCup with the Turkish team in 2016, will take up his new role on January 12.
✍️ Evine hoş geldin Vladimir Micov!
🔗 https://t.co/RvY2wQbWgV pic.twitter.com/pUQvoQSq37
— Galatasaray MCT Technic (@GSBasketbol) December 25, 2025
Vladimir Micov then spoke about it on the Serbian website Meridian: “About a month ago, they called me and told me they were thinking about me. I was impressed. I am an important player in the history of Galatasaray, I won the Eurocup, the only European trophy in history. There have been contacts, there has been talk of the position of general manager or sports director, although for me it’s the same thing.”
“I was called to put everything in the right place, to respond to the call from NBA Europe, and Galatasaray is moving in that direction. To put all the pieces together so that we are ready to wait for October 2027. To fill in where they want to get their hands on. It will take time.”
On his life after retirement: “I ended my career three and a half years ago and finally returned to Belgrade, having finished traveling around… I started the season as sporting director at Metalac, where I also established a partnership with Partizan. I will remain in that position until mid-January, when I will go to Istanbul. But when I put everything down on paper, I talked to my family and realized that the offer was unique and I couldn’t turn it down. The size of the club and the project are impressive. I know the situation, I spent three years with one of the best Turkish coaches, Ergin Ataman, and he made history…”
On his role: “As a former player, I see many things differently and would like to have an immediate impact, but I don’t have a magic wand to suddenly start breaking records. I’m a man behind the bench. When I went to Istanbul, I started from my experience in Milan and CSKA… I know how to attract fans to less important games, it always depends on the players, the results, and the budget. That’s my job. If you’re happy with mid-table, or even the semifinals, you won’t be.”
Everything is still up in the air regarding NBA Europe: “There is a lot of information, a lot of questions, and few answers. I haven’t received any direct answers to any of my questions. Recently, it was said that NBA Europe will definitely arrive in October 2027. Offers are being made, some from the Euroleague, others from the Champions League, and still others from national leagues… A mix of everything. No one knows how much will be paid, but there is talk of 500 million euros. In any case, it will attract all the additional sponsors and investors, which is what Galatasaray executives are counting on. There is also a new arena. I played at Abdi Ipekci, and there are plans to build a new arena, but it is unrealistic to expect it to be completed by 2027. It will attract a lot of investment.
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