Luka Samanic: "Really happy to be here"
The Blue-White-Sky Blues' newcomer Luka Samanic has arrived at the club and already started training. In his first interview for Zenit TV, the Croatian center shared his impressions of Saint Petersburg, explained why he chose the number 99, and admitted that blue is his favorite color.
— Welcome to St. Petersburg! Is it your first time here in our city?
— Thank you, yes. It's my first time in Russia actually.
— You arrived early this morning (interview held on November 10 — note by Zenit BC) and where did you fly in from?
— So I flew from Istanbul, from my hometown Zagreb to Istanbul, and Istanbul to St. Petersburg. Came in the morning. Beautiful city, beautiful weather. I love it. It's amazing.
— How are you feeling now?
— Really happy to be here. I just met everybody and I really appreciate it.
— Have you already had a chance to have a chat with coaching staff and with club’s management?
— Yes, yes. I mean we just met in person and we talked, we went through some actions and as I said I met everybody and I think we're going to do some good things.
— Do you already know any of your new teammates?
— Yes, I think Neno and who else? Just Neno for now, from before.
— So last season you could play against Andre Roberson who presented ASVEL.
— Yes, yes I did. He played for ASVEL when I was in Baskonia. We played against each other a couple of times. And Levi Randolph, yes, in Maccabi. I played against him too, I forgot.
— Zenit traditionally plays in blue and white colors. Do you like this look?
— Yes, blue is my favorite color.
— Throughout your career you had such numbers as 9, 19 and 99. Where does this connection with number 9 come from?
— I was born on January 9th and when I got drafted, I was the 19th pick in 2019 and I was also 19 years old. So it kind of made sense to stick with the 9.
— And why did you choose 99? Because both 9 and 19 are also free in our team.
— I know because this year I played with 99 and last year I played with 99. So, I think from now on it's going to be my number forever. I mean what's better than one 9? Two 9s.
— And finally could you say a few words for Zenit fans who are waiting for your debut?
— Well I hope to see you guys on Wednesday, my first game and I hope we get a win.
