Three-time champ Perperoglou retires

Three-time EuroLeague champion Stratos Perperoglou has retired at the age of 36, ending a professional career that spanned 17 seasons.

Three-time EuroLeague champion Stratos Perperoglou has retired at the age of 36, ending a professional career that spanned 17 seasons. The Greek forward first appeared in the competition in 2007-08 with Panathinaikos Athens, where he stayed for another four seasons and won the title in both 2009 and 2011. He then switched to Olympiacos Piraeus, becoming continental champion for the third time in 2013. Perperoglou later played for Anadolu Efes Istanbul, FC Barcelona and Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade, totalling 222 appearances in the EuroLeague. He also played in the 7DAYS EuroCup with Panionios Forthnet, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem and Zvezda, and represented the Greek national team in World and European championships.

Perperoglou announced the decision on Instagram, saying: "Ball carried me around the world, put me under some of the most talented, successful coaches/trainers of my time. Put me on teams with players I respect, and provided golden moments etched into my mind forever. Three Euroleague championships, mountains too high, and character building lows. I have nothing but humble gratitude for the ride with which professional basketball has taken me."