Walter De Raffaele opens a new chapter: there's also a surprising hypothesis

In Cantù it is farewell day for Walter De Raffaele, who after taking the reins of the team at the end of January leading it to salvation has chosen to exercise his option to leave his contract, thus going in search of another opportunity. In recent days, there had been talk of a possible reappearance at Reyer Venezia, a club of which WDR was deputy from 2011 to 2016 and head coach in the following seven years (for him also two Scudetti, in 2017 and 2019), as well as of an interest of Virtus Bologna.

In the last few hours, however, a surprising hypothesis has taken shape: according to Sportando, in fact, the navigated coach from Livorno is about to start an adventure abroad, specifically in faraway Japan. The year 2026 in fact marks the beginning of a new top-level league in the Land of the Rising Sun, the Premier B.League, which is trying to attract names from Europe as well, including De Raffaele’s own, to try an immediate leap in quality.

Before starting the new chapter of his career, De Raffaele took care to say goodbye to the Canturino environment: “It has been a good experience, not without difficulties, but one that has seen us reach the not obvious goal of salvation. They have been intense months in which a special bond has been created with the club, the team and the fans.”

“I want to thank President Allievi, Dr. Mauri, Sandro Santoro, to whom I remain bound by sincere friendship, all my staff and collaborators for making me feel immediately at ease. Special thanks to the fans and the Eagles. I will always maintain a special affection for Cantù,” De Raffaele concluded.