Virtus Bologna, Marco Belinelli responds to Sergio Scariolo

Marco Belinelli’s words

Marco Belinelli, captain of Virtus Segafredo Bologna, gave a lengthy interview to Gazzetta dello Sport. “The judgments I leave to the fans and the media. For me, nothing has changed. I have always been here with my head, spirit and physique. And I played as I always have, with the goal of helping Virtus win. I am still the Beli who has so much fire inside. Basketball is my life, my passion. When I play, I’m happy.”

“Needless to get around it, I would be a hypocrite if I said that when I wasn’t playing it was okay. Instead it was a very hard time, I felt like everything was going wrong. In my regard the coach made a technical choice that I do not comment on but respect. I have always respected the choices of my coaches. I was pleased with the coach’s words but on the subject of defense I must remark that I am 36 years old and no longer 20. Although age is a number and right now I feel in great shape, my legs are not what they used to be. Now I have to rely on experience and cunning to defend on strong and younger opponents.”

“The Italian Cup is the most imminent goal. Virtus hasn’t won it in 21 years and I’ve never won it in my career but I haven’t had many chances. It is a title I miss, like the Euroleague. It would be nice to raise it in this very competitive Final Eight. For us, for the fans, for the ownership. We know it can be done. We will give 110 percent to make it happen. But I’m not looking at Milan, that’s the least of my thoughts today. I am very focused with the whole team on the challenge with Venice, a difficult opponent,” he concluded.