GETTING traded is nothing new to Sol Mercado, but it’s definitely hard to accept this latest move when you’re leaving the legions of what he considers are the “best fans in the world.”
The 35-year-old journeyman playmaker couldn’t help but take to social media to open up after being traded along with Kevin Ferrer and Jervy Cruz to NorthPort for Stanley Pringle on Tuesday.
Mercado, traded for the seventh time in his 11-year career, thanked the Gin Kings fans for their undying support in his four-year stay with the PBA’s most popular team in a long post to describe his “truckload of emotions.”
“There is nothing like being appreciated by the people who watch every game and witness how much you give to their beloved team! THANK YOU for these past 4 years, I can honestly say it’s been the best years of my career!” Mercado said.
How could it not be? Mercado tasted ultimate success in his time with the Gin Kings after being stuck in mediocrity in his first seven years in the league.
“Three championships in four years isn’t too bad,” Mercado continued. “I would be lying if I told you guys this doesn’t hurt... but trust me, my heart is FULL! I’m so grateful and thankful for the opportunity I had to put on that jersey.”
“From the coaches to the players, we became FAMILY and that will NEVER end. It was an honor to go to battle on that court with you guys. Gonna miss that part tremendously! I’m not gonna miss you cuz I pray we will still be in each other’s lives. Good luck the rest of the season. Love you ALL! #NSD #onceaKINGalwaysaKING,” he added.
Mercado posted the two-part tweet series less than a day after posting about being blessed to be part of the Ginebra organization following its 1,000 victory in franchise history last Sunday at the expense of San Miguel Beer.
The Filipino-American guard is making a return to NorthPort, where he has played twice, the last in 2014.
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