Mirotic: 'I want to mark my time here'

Nikola Mirotic is already a Barça player. The new basketball signing put pen to paper on Monday on a contract that links him with the club for the next three seasons, until 2022, with the option of a fourth season. After the signing, the power-forward spoke to the media, where he said: "A new stage begins and I feel very happy and excited to be able to help the team to win titles."

He also talked about leaving the NBA to return to Europe: "I am aware of what this means for me. I want to mark my time here, to return to Europe during my best years, not when I'm thinking of retiring. I want to win titles and be important in a winning team."

"To come to Barça was the best option"

The new No.33, also wanted to thank the club and the board "to make this operation possible. Both sides have always been aiming to be here today." Mirotic explained: "It was a nice process. We had a meeting and after a while thinking over the decision with my family, I decided that coming to Barça was the best option."

As for the pressure, Mirotic assured: "At Barça there is always pressure to win titles, but it is one of the reasons why I am here, I wanted a team where I could compete for everything. Pressure is something positive." In addition, he explained that he had talked with Pesic, his new coach: "He explained to me that he and the team were ambitious, just like me. We both share the same opinions."

Finally, he said; "I have matured a lot as a person in recent years, but I have the mentality to win forever. I want to win the respect of the fans with my commitment both inside and outside the track".