And Madrid officially renewed Mario Hezonja’s contract. Twelve days after the 29-year-old Croatian forward announced on social media that he would sign a contract extension with the white team, the club announced on Tuesday that the player has signed his contract to continue for the next five seasons. This supposedly closes a long soap opera during which Hezonja even accepted in writing an offer from Barcelona for him to return to wear the blue and red shirt when his contract with Madrid ends this summer.
On June 3, Barcelona sent a document to the Croatian basketball player and his agent detailing the financial conditions offered for the next five seasons, as well as other aspects of a future incorporation to the club. The document, which EL PAÍS has had access to, was signed by Hezonja and Juan Carlos Navarro, Barça’s sporting director, on June 11, just one day before Madrid was crowned league champion after winning in Murcia.
In the celebration of that title, the Croatian swore his love for the Whites, despite having said “yes” to their great rival 24 hours earlier. “I want to give these fans more titles in the coming years. They welcomed me with open arms when they were saying shit about me that was a lie. I want to return that affection with more years of success,” said Hezonja on the UCAM court, with the winning ball in his hands. Eight days later, he added in a statement: “I didn’t reach any prior agreement with anyone. Madrid believed in me. It makes me very happy that my journey will continue at home for a long time.”
Hezonja’s negotiations with Barcelona arose after he became unhappy with his lack of prominence for Madrid at certain points during the season. He then moved between the two giants, accepting a written offer from Barcelona but ultimately signing a contract with Madrid.
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