TUR – Uruguayan football star Lugano brings sons to watch basketball

ISTANBUL (FIBA World Championship) – Diego Lugano is a popular man in Istanbul. The captain of the Uruguay national football team is also star player of Fenerbahce, one of the city’s three legendary football clubs. He has brought his two young sons to attend the fourth Quarter-Final of the FIBA World Championship between Argentina and Lithuania.

He is ten minutes late arriving, due to the evening’s practice with Fenerbahce, but security instantly steps aside. His face is instantly recognised in Turkey. Lugano is also a basketball fan.

“Uruguay is a nation with a big basketball tradition even if they are not here at the World Championship,” he says.

“I have been in Turkey for four years and the Turks are very passionate about basketball. I have witnessed how much effort has gone into the preparations for this event and how successful it has been so far.”

Lugano has had a summer to remember. He led his country to the semi-finals of this year’s world cup and was named best captain of the tournament by FIFA. He explains to us the significance of playing on the world stage.

“Whatever sport you are involved in, as a child, as a little boy, you always dream of representing your nation in such a big competition. Even if some of these guys are seasoned players, this will still be a dream come true.”

They have come to watch Argentina, one of the teams having really impressed so far. His heart is split between Argentina and Turkey, where he has now been living for four years.

“These are two countries that I support. There’s a strong link between Uruguay and Argentina and even if there is rivalry between the two nations. I hope that the two nations reach the final. If this happens, I won’t come to the final to avoid any controversy,” he says smiling.

As it turned out, Lithuania put on an incredible display, beating Argentina 104-85 in what many saw as a shock result. Lugano can now attend the final and cheer on his adopted land of Turkey.