ISTANBUL – Nando de Colo, the veteran French guard, has revealed that his return to Fenerbahçe Beko wasn’t a straightforward decision, citing family considerations and the club’s ambitious goals as key factors in his choice. The 36-year-old spoke candidly about the transfer process in an interview with HT Spor, as Fenerbahçe prepares to face Crvena Zvezda (Red Star) in Belgrade on Thursday, March 12, 2026, as part of the EuroLeague’s 31st week of competition.
De Colo rejoined Fenerbahçe in February 2026 after a stint with ASVEL, marking his second tenure with the Istanbul-based club. He previously played for Fenerbahçe from 2017 to 2019, achieving significant success including a EuroLeague championship in 2017. The decision to leave ASVEL and return to Turkey, however, required careful deliberation.
“The first contacts started towards the end of December, around December 20th, I believe,” de Colo explained. “We were in touch for a few days. My agent and Fenerbahçe management managed the process. We worked step by step, trying to find a solution on how to make this transfer happen. During this process, I spoke with ASVEL. I wanted to make sure that things were progressing correctly for both sides. I knew that Fenerbahçe had bigger goals for the remainder of the season. It wasn’t an uncomplicated decision because I similarly had to feel about my family. It was an opportunity for me to finish the season in the best possible way.”
The complexities of the transfer were compounded by the timing – mid-season – and the need to navigate agreements with two clubs. De Colo emphasized the importance of ensuring a smooth transition for all parties involved. He also revealed that he consulted with Fenerbahçe head coach, Sarunas Jasikevicius, before finalizing his return.
“Before coming here, I spoke with Saras [Jasikevicius]. He told me that he needed an experienced player like me,” de Colo said. “I didn’t come here to be the most important player, but to add my experience to the team and help us move to a higher level.”
De Colo’s arrival has been met with enthusiasm by Fenerbahçe fans, who remember his previous contributions to the team’s success. He’s expected to provide a significant boost in experience and leadership as Fenerbahçe pushes for a playoff berth in the EuroLeague. The team currently holds a 17-13 record as of March 12, 2026, placing them fifth in the league standings. EuroLeague Standings
The veteran guard also noted how seamlessly he’s reintegrated into the Fenerbahçe environment. “It felt like I had never left Fenerbahçe. It felt like I had always been here. Of course, it’s easier to come to a team you’ve known before. I know Istanbul, many of the staff are the same. However, we’re talking about a different roster and a different coach, so it took some time to get to know the system and my teammates. But I’ve only been here for two months, and two months isn’t enough to learn everything. Nevertheless, I know my capabilities and I’m a quick learner. I’m focusing on what I can do on the court. It’s great to return to Fenerbahçe and wear this jersey again.”
De Colo’s return to Fenerbahçe isn’t simply a reunion with a familiar team; it’s a strategic move aimed at bolstering the club’s championship aspirations. His experience, scoring prowess, and playmaking ability are expected to be invaluable assets as Fenerbahçe navigates the challenging final stretch of the EuroLeague season. The team’s performance against Crvena Zvezda on Thursday will be a key indicator of how quickly de Colo can integrate into the lineup and contribute to the team’s success.
For Fenerbahçe, the stakes are high. A strong finish to the regular season is crucial for securing a favorable playoff seeding. The EuroLeague playoffs are a best-of-five series, and home-court advantage can be a significant factor in determining which teams advance to the Final Four. De Colo’s presence is intended to provide the edge needed to navigate this competitive landscape.
Beyond the immediate playoff push, de Colo’s return also signals Fenerbahçe’s long-term commitment to competing at the highest level of European basketball. The club has consistently invested in top talent and infrastructure, and de Colo’s signing underscores their ambition to remain a perennial contender. His leadership and experience will also be valuable in developing younger players on the roster.
Fans can follow Fenerbahçe’s game against Crvena Zvezda on March 12, 2026, with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 PM local time (CET) / 1:00 PM EST. Updates and live coverage will be available on the EuroLeague’s official website and social media channels. EuroLeague Official Website
Fenerbahçe will then return to Istanbul to prepare for their next EuroLeague matchup against Bayern Munich on March 15, 2026. The team will be looking to build on their momentum and continue their push for a top-four playoff seed.
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