ATHENS– Giannis Antetokounmpo definitely had something to declare on his triumphant return to Greece on Sunday.
The NBA star arrived with the Larry O’Brien Trophy at Athens International Airport, from where he said he hopes to win more titles with the Milwaukee Bucks.
“We are happy to be back and to bring the trophy with us,” Antetokounmpo said at a press conference at the airport.
The 26-year-old “Greek Freak” sat next to the gleaming championship trophy, his Finals MVP award, and his brother, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, 29, who also plays for the Bucks.
“We had to go through a long process (to bring the trophy to Greece),” said Giannis Antetokounmpo. “We do not know how many days we will stay, but we will take it with us to the places we grew up, Sepolia and Zografou.”
Sepolia is the Athens neighborhood where the Antetokounmpo brothers grew up. Zografou is the suburb of Athens where Giannis began his basketball career, with local club Filathlitikos.
Antetokounmpo always returns to Sepolia, where he maintains relationships with some people who at the time welcomed the children of poor parents who migrated from Nigeria. Thanasis and Giannis were born in Greece – in 1992 and 1994, respectively – as were their younger siblings, Kostas and Alex, but they were not always accepted as Greek.
The Antetokounmpo brothers plan to visit Sepolia on this trip to show the trophies to local children who, like many young and old in Greece at this time, idolize them. Especially Giannis.
Antetokounmpo indicated that the event will benefit children, not the press. He and his brother will play a small game on an outdoor court, although their opponents need not worry.
“I will play as long as my knee allows me … then not much,” said Antetokounmpo.
When asked about his first title, Antetokounmpo replied that the celebration “was not very long. I want to live it again ”with another title. “Keep improving, keep hungry, keep winning and live these moments with Milwaukee and the Greek team. The feeling of winning is addictive. “
After a short stay in Greece, Giannis will return to the United States, where his girlfriend Mariah Riddlesprigger is expecting their second child, who will be born in August.
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