Giannis Antetkounmpo’s father passed away today. The 53 year old, Charles, died after suffering a heart attack.
In September 2015 he was transferred to the cardiology clinic of Evangelismos Hospital, as he felt intense chest pains. Doctors thought it was necessary to undergo detailed laboratory testing, and he was subjected to coronary angiography.
Charles was also an athlete, having been a professional footballer in Nigeria, from where he came to Greece in 1991 with his wife Veronica. Indeed, he had put the “microbe” of sports to all his kids, as he had said in an interview:
“I myself was playing football, so it was natural to motivate them to get involved with the sport.”
And he continues: ” I went to the park and showed them, as a former footballer, I had a lot of tricks and skills to teach them! I knew how sure that my children would love sports. Personally, I played football because I had no choice. I may have been better at basketball. I was really good at football and volleyball. “
Charles Antetokounmpo leaves behind his wife Veronica and his children Thanasis, Giannis, Kostas Alex and Francis Antetokounmpo.
His funeral will be held in the United States and older brother Thanasis has already left Athens, Greece, and Panathinaikos facilities in order to be with his family.
Giannis has reportedly been granted compassionate leave, as it was expected, by the Bucks Management.
Thanasis Antetokounpo, Giannis brother, in on his way to U.S.A. Really sad news for the Greek Freaks family. More details later…
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dad, Charles, was also a former Nigerian soccer player