Fenerbahce Beko's Czech center Vesely leaves club after 8 years

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Fenerbahce Beko's Czech center Jan Vesely left the Turkish basketball powerhouse Tuesday after playing eight years for the team.

Vesely thanked the club and fans for their support and welcoming attitude.

"The most important things in my life happened here in Istanbul. From getting married and my son being born in Istanbul, to winning (Turkish Airlines) EuroLeague in front of you, the most amazing fans in the world. It was an honor to give blood, sweat and tears for the jersey that you all love so much," Vesely said on Instagram.

The 32-year-old said Fenerbahce will remain in his heart and Istanbul and the club will forever be his home.

Fenerbahce Beko said Vesely's contract expired and he told the club that he wants a new challenge.

The club thanked him and wished Vesely the best, and added that his efforts for Fenerbahce will never be forgotten.

Vesely joined Fenerbahce Beko during the 2014-15 season.

He was a main pillar of the Turkish team when Fenerbahce Beko won the 2017 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague title, the club's first and only European championship.

Vesely was named the EuroLeague Most Valuable Player in the 2018-19 season.

He also won the Turkish Super Lig four times.

Last season, Vesely averaged 13.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 22 EuroLeague appearances.

Before Fenerbahce Beko, he played for Serbia's Partizan and the Washington Wizards and Denver Nuggets in the NBA.