Thank you, Niko!

To the chagrin of all CSKA fans, the four-year path of the Serbian big man in our team has come to an end.

This path was glorious, but not easy. His first season was cut short by an injury, due to which Niko could not help the team in the EuroLeague Final Four and the VTB League playoffs, in the second Russian clubs were suspended in the end of the EuroLeague season, and the rebuilt Army Team lost to Zenit in the dramatic Finals Game 7. The third one again ended up with an injury at the decisive stage: perhaps if Milutinov was completely healthy it would be enough to move into the "golden" series. One way or another, Nicola did his best to help the team. It's no joke: he ends his period at CSKA as the most valuable player in the club's history - 22.2 PIR per game!

In total, Milutinov played 119 games in the red and blue uniform, averaging 12.2 points (65.4% of two-pointers and 78.9% of free throws), 8.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.6 blocks. He has a full set of VTB United League medals in his collection. He has two amazing records for offensive rebounds in one game - in the EuroLeague (16, against Olimpia Milan, 12/30/2020) and in the VTB League (11, against Nizhny Novgorod, 04/22/2022). He became the Most Valuable Player of the last VTB League season, updating the all-time league’s record for double-doubles (31).

In the 2021-22 season, Milutinov was recognized as the best player of CSKA accordingly to the fans’ vote, this season he also became the leader according to the results of monthly votings.

Andrey Vatutin, PBC CSKA President:

Milutinov is one of the top 3 best, if not the best centers playing in Europe at the moment. He is also a wonderful person with an established internal system of values. A year ago, he had the opportunity to leave to the one of the EuroLeague clubs, but he assured me that he would stay, that he wanted to help the team regain the title. Alas, it did not work out, but this is in no way connected with his diligence and dedication. At the most difficult moment, he showed character and club patriotism, proved the highest professionalism and the desire to be on the court in every game, sometimes, despite injuries. It is impossible to replace a player with such a set of basketball qualities, such a brilliant skill. But this is life. It is difficult for me to put into words the gratitude we feel towards Nikola. His game, his achievements will become the important part of the glorious history of CSKA, and we sincerely wish that Nikola continues to progress, that he achieves great success at the highest international level, that his life will consist of victories and many happy personal moments. We will miss and follow him in the new team.

Emil Rajkovic, CSKA head coach:

It was a great pleasure to work with a person and a player as Nikola and I hope out paths will cross again in the future. I wish him the most luck and joy in his life and professional career.

Nikola Milutinov:

It is hard to say goodbye to all amazing teammates, friends and fans that I met in CSKA and in Moscow. I enjoyed every minute of being and playing there. It was a big honor to play for such a great and historical club. But it’s time to move on. I wish all the best and good luck to everyone. I am sure that CSKA will be back on top in Europe and we will meet again!