Shane Larkin leaves Anadolu Efes after eight emotional years

A heartfelt farewell

Shane Larkin has officially ended his eight-year stint with Anadolu Efes, bringing to a close one of the defining runs in recent EuroLeague history. The guard reportedly triggered a buyout to leave the club, and a move to rival Fenerbahce is widely expected.

In a moving message to fans and the club, Larkin reflected on his time in Istanbul and how a short-term deal turned into a long-term home. He said he still finds it hard to put everything into words after so many seasons together and thanked the organisation for helping him grow both on and off the court.

He also acknowledged the many changes over the years, including different coaches and tough moments, and expressed gratitude for the collective effort that brought titles and memorable highs. Above all, Larkin singled out the support of the fans, saying their backing during both good and difficult times meant a great deal to him.

What comes next

Larkin is a two-time EuroLeague champion and one of the faces of Anadolu Efes’s successful era. Even so, he explained that sometimes both player and club need a fresh start, and that now feels like the right time to part ways despite the emotional difficulty.

With a move to a domestic rival reportedly on the horizon, this transfer ranks among the most significant in recent EuroLeague seasons. Wherever he lands next, Larkin leaves behind a legacy of big moments and lasting memories in Istanbul.