Ergin Ataman responds to racist remarks like a slap: I am proud to be a Turk!
Panathinaikos Head Coach Ergin Ataman made statements after the EuroLegaue game against Virtus Bologna. "I am proud to be a Turk", the experienced coach responded to the racist remarks.
In EuroLeague Week 21, Ergin Ataman's Panathinaikos defeated Virtus Bologna 84-71. After the game, coach Ergin Ataman responded to the racist comments made about him.
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"PROUD TO BE TURKISH"
Ergin Ataman had the following to say about the racist statements:
"People started attacking me on social media because of my country. They wrote that I am Turkish and I should leave Greece, that I am very bad for Panathinaikos because I am Turkish. I am proud to be Turkish, I love Greece, I love Athens, I love Panathinaikos."
"I HAVE 3 EUROLEAGUE TITLES IN THE LAST 5 YEARS"
"I have 20 domestic cups. I have 3 EuroLeague titles, not in the last 10 years, but in the last 5 years. If we are Panathinaikos, the best club in Europe, we have big goals during the season. This challenge is for me and for my players. I believe in myself."
"I WILL LEAVE ATHENS IF WE ARE NOT CHAMPIONS"
Ataman had said in his press conference the previous day that he would leave Greece if he didn't win the championship at the end of the season. After being reminded that they lost to Olympiacos and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in their last two EuroLeague games, the veteran head coach said, "I have great confidence in my players. I want to set another big challenge for them. As you know, I have a contract until the end of next season. But if we don't win the EuroLeague or Greek League title at the end of this season, I will leave Athens."
