MADRID, 26 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Georgian power forward Tornike Shengelia has left CSKA Moscow as a “protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine”, the player has confirmed to the Georgian media outlet Commersant.
“I take this decision as a sign of protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine and I do not want to continue playing for the Russian army club,” he explained in an interview with his country’s media, emphasizing the Moscow club’s links with the country’s army.
According to Commersant, Shengelia, who changed her Facebook profile picture to a Ukrainian flag, unilaterally terminated her contract and left Moscow for Spain, where she is currently staying with her family.
Shengelia, a key player in Baskonia for six seasons (2014-20), left the Vitorian discipline in the summer of 2020, just after the team was proclaimed champion of the Endesa League, to join the Russian team.
The 30-year-old has averaged 12.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and a PIR of 14.1 in his 15 EuroLeague games this season.