After a very warm welcome at Athens airport, Evan Fournier held the traditional press conference to make his arrival at Olympiakos official. Surrounded by the Panagiotis brothers and coach Barzokas, the Frenchman spoke about this reception by thousands of fans. It was 11:30 p.m. in Greece.
“I'm shy by nature… I didn't know what to expect. When I saw the world in red and white, I started to relax, I felt like I was at home.” he confides. “I didn't expect such a reception, and it far exceeded my expectations.”
Moustapha Fall's advice
Otherwise, he repeated what he had told the team. “I had contacts with some teams before the Olympics, there were also contacts with the Bucks. There were no offers. There was an offer from the Wizards, but it was not something I wanted. I came here because I want to live strong moments, I wanted to play great games and be part of a unique project. It was the best possible choice.”
For his integration, he can count on the presence of Moustapha Fall. The two met in Poitiers and of course in the French Team, and here they are reunited in Greece. “He didn’t need to convince me. I know what I want. My questions to Mous were more about the details. What’s the best neighborhood, schools, etc. I was curious, but Mous knew from the first day that I wanted to come. The only thing I hate about Mous is that he wears number 10. I wanted to take it from him, but he doesn’t give it.”
“Kick the ass” of Pana!
After praising the qualities of his coach, who advocates team basketball with a lot of freedom in attack, Fournier mentioned the famous derbies against Mathias Lessort's Panathinaikos. “When there were rumors about me, he told me: “I'm at Panathinaikos, so don't come because we won't have a good time in Greece”” he laughs, before adding: “I don't know about these encounters yet, but all I know is that we have to kick their butts!”