In an interview with the EuroLeague, Thanasis Antetokounmpo referred to the difficulties he has faced, basketball and more.
Here is what the 26-year-forward of Panathinaikos said:
On whether basketball saved their lives: “Basketball changed everything for us. I read something the other day: you work most of your life, the statistics say you work from ages 24 to 65.
So for anyone, to work and being able to do what you love is really important, because what you do the most in life is work. For me and my brothers, my family, being able to work as professional basketball players is great, something amazing. I feel blessed and really grateful for that.”
On the difficulties he and his family have faced so far: “It has been tough but through basketball and how Mom and Dad raised us, it made us who we are today. My parents were very brave, coming from Nigeria to Greece.
For me, my parents are everyday heroes, and all people who can do this – go to a different place not knowing anyone and raise a family there, giving them whatever they need to succeed in life.”
On whether he will always remember what his parents did for the family: “We cannot forget where we came from. It is very important not just to stay motivated, but also because you want your family and kids to know who you are and where you came from.
I would like my kids to know that their grandparents came from Nigeria and fought hard to make a living. I want our family story to go on through our own generations.”
