Hezonja Releases Emotional Letter

Croatian basketball international Mario Hezonja (31) has posted a farewell letter to Real Madrid on social media. In an emotional post written in Spanish, he said that "Real Madrid is not left behind; it is carried forever."

His farewell to the "royal club" did not go unnoticed in Spain, where it also made the front page of the prestigious sports newspaper Marca. Last month, after six years away, Hezonja returned to the NBA and signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Four Years Marked by Victories

Hezonja spent four years in the Spanish capital. In his letter, he reflected on the clear message he received on day one: "win everything." "And we achieved it: games, battles, wars, titles... ALL!" he wrote. He emphasized that the combination of his mentality and Real Madrid's DNA is one of the best things that has happened to him.

However, he admitted there were tough moments too. "There were nights when I probably made you lose patience with a shot that only Mario could take, without anyone saying a word... and when you made me lose mine," the letter reads.

Departure Due to New Circumstances

Hezonja stressed that his decision to leave was not due to a lack of affection for the club or a desire to fight for the badge. "A decision that does not stem from a lack of your affection or a lack of desire to continue fighting for this badge, but from circumstances that led me to take a different path," he explained.

He extended special thanks to club president Florentino Pérez, as well as club members Alberto Herreros and Rudy Fernández. He also highlighted Juan Carlos Sánchez, who "took care of my contract so I could continue following the dream of playing in the NBA."

He concluded the letter with the words: "THANK YOU! HALF MADRID AND NOTHING MORE!", adding that he hopes their paths will cross again one day.