Ergin Ataman said goodbye to Greece from Athens International Airport on Tuesday, posting a farewell message on Instagra...

Ergin Ataman said goodbye to Greece from Athens International Airport on Tuesday, posting a farewell message on Instagram moments before boarding his flight home after three years as Panathinaikos head coach. The Turkish coach thanked not just Panathinaikos fans but the entire Greek public for the love and support he received during his time in Athens. He said he was leaving with "countless wonderful memories and feelings that cannot be expressed in words." Ataman went beyond basketball in his message. He said his greatest pride during his three-year stay was the chance to contribute to friendship between the Greek and Turkish people, calling Greeks a "brotherly nation." The parting between Ataman and Panathinaikos was described as entirely amicable. The post was shared from his personal Instagram account, erginatamania, accompanied by a photo of him outside the airport waving goodbye. In three seasons with Panathinaikos, Ataman won multiple trophies and established himself as one of the most consequential coaches in the club's recent history. His departure closes a chapter that began in 2023 and ends on terms that were friendly on both sides. The goodbye from the airport was the final image of a coaching stint that had an impact well beyond the basketball court. #Panathinaikos #Ataman #EuroLeague