Welcoming statement from the President of the city assembly of Belgrade

Here is what Nikola Nikodijevic, President of the city assembly Belgrade, said in his words to welcome the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four to his city.

Dear Mr. Bertomeu, dear friends, dear guests,

It is a big honor to have the chance to welcome you to Belgrade again. Four years ago, in 2018, Belgrade was a Final Four host for the first time. It was a remarkable tournament that was left in memories of all us here in Belgrade and also everyone involved who was with us four years ago.

Back then, we knew already we will be candidates again for the Final Four, but we hoped it would be in different and better circumstances. We are very sorry that this year Berlin could not organize this tournament for epidemiological reasons and we believe it will be a host in the coming years and with our sporting friends from Berlin that we will be able to participate in it and it will be our pleasure to go there.

We are glad you are here with us today. Belgrade is the city of basketball, a city that loves this game, and we are sure you will feel at home. We believe the arena will be full, the it will be a true basketball atmosphere and I believe you will take best possible impression from our country's capital.

Thanks to the Turkish Airlines, EuroLeague's title sponsor, without which this would not be possible. Also to thanks all the people who helped us in organization, especially Mayor Goran Vesic, who first took the initiative that Belgrade become the host when we realized Berlin would not be able to organize it. Also to all the volunteers, all the sponsors, all the people everyone helping us make this one of the best Final Fours ever organized.

Also, congrats to all the players, especially the award winners. All the guys you saw on the stage had a phenomenal season and really deserved it. I am sure they will show the best they can on the floor this weekend and we will be enjoying another basketball spectacle.

I believe it is not the last Final Four we will organize in Belgrade. And that in a few years again, we will see each other again, because Belgrade is really a basketball city. We wait for you with our arms open and we are sure we will enjoy the best basketball the next four days.