Ataman and Panathinaikos part ways: "It's time for a new era for all of us"

Ergin Ataman is no longer the coach of Panathinaikos basketball team, the Euroleague announced today.

Greek media reported that the Athens club and the Turkish expert had reached an agreement to end their cooperation by mutual consent after three years.

"I really had an incredible time in Athens and I am proud to have worked with Panathinaikos and the Giannakopoulos family. Of course, I am proud to have brought four incredible trophies in these three years. First of all, the Euroleague championship title. That is why I will remember these days for the rest of my life, the incredible fun, the incredible support of the Panathinaikos family, for all of us. I am also proud of the contribution I tried to make to the good relations between the two countries, Turkey and Greece. And I am very pleased with all the friendly people I met in Greece. Not only Panathinaikos fans, but also many fans of other clubs… So thank you very much for these three years that we spent together. But now it is time for a new era for all of us," said Ataman.

The Turkish strategist arrived in Athens from Efes, with whom he won two consecutive European championship titles.

Under his leadership, Panathinaikos won the Euroleague title, the Greek Championship and two national cups.

It is not yet known who will succeed Ataman on the Panathinaikos bench.