The captain of the Georgian basketball team leaves for the Russian team
By Anastasia Sokhadze
Friday, July 10
On July 9th, it was officially confirmed that Georgian national basketball team player Tornike Shengelia would continue his career in CSKA Moscow. The information, which was spread a few weeks ago, was officially confirmed yesterday by Moscow.
Regardless of his success, he’s being harshly criticized for leaving the Georgian team, but the Georgian Basketball Federation has come to his defense.
Georgian Basketball Federation states that Tornike Shengelia will continue to protect the dignity and interests of his homeland and the team. The federation also responds to the transfer of Tornike Shengelia, the former captain of the Georgian basketball team, to CSKA Moscow on its Facebook page.
“As before, regardless of which club he was in, Tornike has always defended and will defend the dignity and interests of his homeland and the national team. The captain of the Georgian national team will repeatedly cheer us on with his successful sports career and with his leadership the Georgian national team will definitely achieve significant victories! Good luck Toko!” reads the statement.
Shengelia also made a statement, saying he is happy to join the reigning Euroleague champions and looks forward to playing alongside great players.
“I hope to have great success with CSKA in the Euroleague and VTB League,” stated Shengelia.
Despite all the support from his teammates, as well as the federation, he is still receiving criticism.The President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, criticizes the former captain of the Georgian basketball team for joining the Russian team. The president posted her statement on Facebook.
“It is unfortunate and unacceptable for me as the President of Georgia that the captain of the Georgian basketball team has decided to move to Moscow's CSKA.”
The young player had a contract with Spanish Basconia until 2022, however, the Muscovites managed to solve everything. The Georgian legionnaire had been playing for the Basque club since 2014, and most recently, his club won the Spanish title after a 10-year hiatus. Shengelia scored 14 points in the final against Barcelona.
