11.09.2008, 03:30
Ivano Balic: I leave Portland for my family

The Croatian star talks to the Spanish media about his farewell to Portland.

Ivano Balic: I leave Portland for my family

The Croatian star, Balic, travelled to Pamplona last week to say goodbye to his mates left in Portland. Ivano repeated two words: thank you.

He returned to Croatia after four good years – though without titles. His future will be in his country with a very competitive team and near his son who was the reason to leave Pamplona. There are things more important than a profession sometimes. Ivano talked to a local media (Diario de Navarra) in his last moments in Pamplona.

“My son is in Croatia. He asks about me and I can’t see him because I’m playing handball far away. I was fed up with this situation and he was my priority at the moment”.

Balic said only nice words about Pamplona and San Antonio. “I spent four very nice years in Pamplona. I felt good and San Antonio will always be my team. But I must go.”

Ivano returns to Croatia to play for a really strong club.

“I did not think about the team because my motivation was different. However, it is true that Zagreb have built a very good team for a good season. We must work hard to reach the objectives”.

Portland changed mentality without Balic and he hopes that the changes could be enough for Spanish club.

“They have very good players and a new coach who works a lot. I wish Portland to have a very good season. I will be really happy for Portland’s titles and it would be beautiful to play a CL final with Portland.”

Ivano sent a final message to the Portland fans:

“I only can say thank you. Thank you to the fans, to the club, to the mates… Thank you for these four beautiful years in Pamplona. Perhaps we can meet again. I only wish successes for Portland and I’m sure that they will have a good season with some luck and avoiding injuries”.

TEXT: Fernando Urra Goni