Željko Unveiled at PAO! He dodged one question but didn't shy away from his 10th EuroLeague title aspirations /VIDEO/

First and foremost, I want to thank Dimitris for giving me this opportunity to be here again. We met, had a great conversation, and quickly found common ground. I've never lost touch with the Giannakopoulos family and the fans in the stands – and I thank them for this welcome. Whenever I came here with Fenerbahçe or Partizan, it was always special for me. I am an honorary citizen of Athens, and it's a great pleasure to be here. And thank you for giving me the chance to be part of one of the best clubs, not just in Europe, but in the world. - Željko Obradović

I believe motivation is key. If you have it, you can achieve anything. This renovated arena is truly special. When I first arrived, I spoke about it. I want to be a coach, and it was easy for me to find motivation here. I never lost contact with these people. I will do everything I can to show respect to them. I already know the love is there. The past is important, but we must live in the present, or rather, the future. There's a lot we need to improve, to understand what this club represents, and who the people behind us are.

Just recently… I've been asked that question ever since I left Partizan. And I said I would talk about it at this time. We had a meeting two days ago, and that's how it happened. I believe it was important to show respect to myself, to do as I said. I thought about some things. We met, spoke directly, and here we are. It's that simple.

I spoke with Kostas yesterday, after the announcement. He's in Halkidiki. Due to my commitments in Belgrade, I'll be going there. When I return, I'll meet with him. I'll meet with everyone who's here. I believe things will be easy with Kostas. I haven't spoken with Mathias; I don't know where he is. I've just arrived; there's plenty of time.

I can't escape that; anyone who wants to compare the two periods has the right to do so. Two minutes ago, I said the past is good, but we must live in the present and the future. We achieved everything because we worked together, as a family. It must be the same now. How quickly that's possible, who knows. I can only promise that I will do my job for this club because I love it. Twenty days ago, I had my first contact with basketball when Gigi Datome called me to hold a clinic. That was the first time I stepped onto the court since November. The feeling I get on the court is what drives me, and that's when I'm the happiest in the world. It will certainly be the same here. This man does his job; now it's my turn to work with the players and other people in the club. I know most of them. This is the most important thing: to work as a family, to understand each other. Respect is key.

I know there are rumors; that's part of this life we have now with all the media and social networks. Everyone has something to say. What should we do about this? Are you asking if it's true or not? I am serious about my work. When I decide how things will be, I will first tell the president, then the other people in the clubs, and then you will know. At this moment, it's difficult to talk about names. I hope you understand.

I was the coach of Partizan; I was happy there. In life, I never set goals or thought about such things... In November, I made a very difficult decision. After that, I tried to do things outside of basketball. I didn't think about this. That's why I told my manager that I didn't want to talk about basketball; let him handle it. When I decide, we'll sit down. And that's how it was.

There's history here. Everyone in Europe knows what Panathinaikos is. We are proud of what we've achieved and what we are now. I will always respect all rivals, in Greece and in the EuroLeague. We must focus on ourselves. That's the best approach. We look at ourselves, we know who we are – and we always respect other clubs, individuals, and fans. If you are focused on yourself, you will have many opportunities to be where you want to be.

How do I feel? Happy! First of all, I didn't expect so many people. This is a press conference, to answer your questions. I know the love they give me, all these years, even when I returned as a rival coach. I have nothing new to say. I am happy and ready to work.

I thank him for those words, but this club is so big, and the expectations are so high. I know that. It's his birthday, and we are happy. But we must start working today. It's all about how serious we are, how honest we are with each other, and how we convince the players that they are more important than all of us. They must understand what it means to play for Panathinaikos. We want a team that fights. A bad day is a bad day, but we must always give our best, and then it will be good. As for goals, I think everyone understands what they are. This team wants to be the best; it wants results, and that's clear.

It would be nice for Panathinaikos to win its eighth title; that would be lovely.

Željko is back - that's the main message from Athens.

The biggest contract of all time for the greatest coach of all time. As SDNA learns, Panathinaikos and Željko Obradović have agreed to a three-year collaboration worth 12 million euros. Not only that, owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos will increase the team's budget by an additional 10 million euros. The message is clear: Panathinaikos is attacking the European throne. - Giorgos Zakas