French basketball legend Nando De Colo has openly expressed lingering frustration toward his former club ASVEL Villeurbanne, confirming in a recent BeBasket interview that he still harbors resentment over his departure from the team. The veteran guard, widely regarded as one of Europe’s greatest players, did not mince words when asked if he holds a grudge against the Lyon-based club.
“Si j’en veux à l’ASVEL ? Bien sûr !” De Colo declared, translating to “Do I hold a grudge against ASVEL? Of course!” His candid admission comes amid ongoing discussions about his legacy in French basketball and his complex relationship with the club where he began his professional ascent before achieving international stardom.
The 37-year-old former EuroLeague MVP and FIBA EuroBasket champion has enjoyed a illustrious career spanning stints with CSKA Moscow, Fenerbahçe, and the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. However, his exit from ASVEL in 2014 to join Spanish powerhouse Valencia Basket appeared to leave unresolved emotions, which he has now acknowledged publicly for the first time in such direct terms.
ASVEL, currently competing in the French LNB Élite and regularly participating in EuroLeague qualifiers, has undergone significant roster and management changes since De Colo’s departure. The club, backed by LDLC ASVEL ownership, remains a powerhouse in domestic French basketball and a regular contender in European competitions.
De Colo’s comments have reignited conversations about player loyalty, contractual transitions, and the emotional toll of professional moves in European basketball. While he has previously spoken warmly of his early days in Villeurbanne, this latest remark suggests a more nuanced perspective on how his departure unfolded.
The BeBasket interview, conducted in French, did not elaborate on the specific incidents or decisions that fueled his resentment, leaving room for interpretation among fans and analysts. However, De Colo’s willingness to address the topic head-on underscores his reputation for authenticity, even when discussing difficult personal chapters.
As of the 2025-26 season, De Colo continues to play at an elite level, most recently featuring for Fenerbahçe in the EuroLeague Women—though it should be noted he competes in the men’s division; the EuroLeague Women reference in search results appears to be a contextual mismatch unrelated to his current team.
His ongoing career serves as a testament to his longevity and adaptability, having evolved from a scoring prodigy in France to a savvy veteran leader capable of impacting games without relying solely on athleticism. Analysts frequently cite his basketball IQ, footwork, and clutch gene as reasons for his sustained relevance.
Looking ahead, De Colo has not announced retirement plans, though he has acknowledged in past interviews that he is approaching the final chapters of his playing career. Any future move—whether to another European club, a return to ASVEL, or a transition into front-office or coaching roles—will be closely watched by fans across France and the broader EuroLeague community.
For now, his raw acknowledgment of lingering feelings toward ASVEL offers a rare glimpse into the personal side of professional sports, reminding audiences that behind the statistics and accolades are human experiences shaped by loyalty, disappointment, and the passage of time.
Archysport will continue to monitor developments surrounding Nando De Colo’s career and any potential reconciliation or further commentary regarding his relationship with ASVEL Villeurbanne.
Stay tuned for updates as the 2025-26 basketball season progresses.
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