The criticism was huge against Jonas Jerebko.
Now he breaks his silence about his move to Russia.
“I’ve stayed away because of all the hate I’ve received,” he writes on Instagram.
While sports star after sports star did their utmost to leave their Russian teams, regardless of sport, after Russia invaded Ukraine, Jonas Jerebko made a criticized choice. The former NBA player, in the midst of ongoing war, signed to play in the Russian league, on a contract in the spring.
Breaking the silence
Jerebko also signed for CSKA Moscow, the club of the Russian army, and as a result, Jerebko was suspended from the Swedish national team. Whether Jerebko is welcome back in the future is unclear, but it is clear that Jerebko lost a lot of sponsor collaborations, and the criticism against him has been enormous from sports Sweden and the basketball world.
Jerebko and his CSKA Moscow lost the final in the playoffs, and since then Jerebko has been without a club. However, he has chosen not to comment on the choice to move to Russia. But now he breaks the silence.
“I’ve stayed away from social media after all the hate I’ve received regarding a decision I made,” he begins a post on Instagram.
“I know it upsets people”
Jerebko then goes on to explain his decision.
“I know it upsets people when I say this, but for me it was the way it was. I got a good opportunity to continue my career with a club known for its professionalism. I went there to win and to play under one of the best coaches in Europe. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough all the way,” he writes.
What’s next for Jerebko is unclear.
“Now I’m back in training. I don’t know what my next step is. I’m just grateful for what’s around the corner.”
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