Nando De Colo retiring at the end of the season? He clarifies
Speaking to RMC, Nando De Colo (1.95m, 38 years old) had mentioned that the 2025-2026 season might be his last as a professional player. Now interviewed by Ouest-France, the former French international provided more details.
The need for continuity: « I don’t see myself starting over with just anything »
For Nando De Colo, there’s no question about the « pleasure » he gets from playing. The Northern Frenchman first reminds that his contract ends after this season. « I don’t see myself starting over with just anything, » he specifies. Because for him, endless reconstruction has its limits. « This is my fourth season with ASVEL. We’ve been starting from scratch for four years. » A systematic rebuild that prevents the Rhone team from being competitive according to him: « When you know what it takes to go as far as possible at the end of a season, it’s always more complicated. At the end of last season, for example, many people told us: ‘You weren’t far off, it was rather a good season.’ For me, it remains a not particularly successful season because we didn’t reach any finals. »
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This summer again, Pierric Poupet and his staff will have to reimplementtheir philosophy, with a backcourt renewed 100% except for Nando De Colo. « All this will take time again. Each year, it’s hard to keep taking the same steps without really moving forward. » For him, it’s pointless to set title objectives now, regardless of the competition. « Today, clearly, I hope no one sets collective objectives within the club, beyond progressing and going as far as possible during the season. » In summer 2026, the 2015-2016 EuroLeague MVP will have to make a choice: continue or stop. But married with three daughters, the decision will be made as a family.
De Colo’s dubious view on Tony Parker’s career change: « If he’s motivated in this direction, we’ll see how it goes »
Honest in his comments, this son of coaches discusses post-career life, his interest in the game and player development. An interest logically shared with his boss and former teammate, Tony Parker. The latter’s potential conversion to coaching seems to leave him skeptical. « I think it’s always complicated when you haven’t been closely involved with the court for several years. After that, it’s like everything else. Everyone is free to do what they want. And if he’s motivated in this direction, we’ll see how it goes. »
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