Kalinić speaks his mind on controversial transfer! "Why are we dramatizing Vildoza's move to Partizan?" "Did Zvezda even call him - no!"

Pulse Sports Team 12:50 - 03 September 2026

Nikola Kalinić expressed a completely open and clear stance on Luca Vildoza's transfer to Partizan, emphasizing that unnecessary tension has been created in the public regarding a purely professional move. Appearing on the "Kod Luke i Kuzme" podcast, the former Crvena zvezda Meridianbet player, now a staff member, explained why he sees no scandal in this transfer.

Despite the Argentinian playmaker's claims during his time at Mali Kalemegdan that he would never wear the jersey of the eternal rival, Kalinić emphasizes that he is a foreign basketball player from whom no fan-like emotion should be expected.

Zvezda didn't offer him a contract, Partizan did

A foreign player moved to Partizan, why are we even discussing it? Everyone's making a big deal out of nothing. Everyone's on their phones, bored, so they comment. Why is this even news? The man moved to Partizan after playing for Zvezda. Did Zvezda offer him a contract? No! Did Partizan offer him a contract? Yes! I don't know why it's such a big deal. He's not a local player, nor is he someone who left a deep mark, like playing 10 years for Zvezda, Kalinić stated.

Drawing a parallel with his own career, Kalinić highlighted that he has different standards when it comes to clubs where he left a significant mark. That's why he unhesitatingly rejected an offer from Efes out of respect for the years spent at Fenerbahçe. He also revealed what truly happened when Željko Obradović contacted him about joining Partizan.

"I rejected Efes because of Fener!"

It was more a conversation about whether we should even discuss the topic. Why would I put myself through that? Some people want that, some are inspired by it. Spanoulis is the best example. He felt he wasn't appreciated enough at Panathinaikos, went to Olympiacos, and became a legend. Some can use that as fuel, Kalinić concluded.