NIKOLA Mirotic entertained NBA fans for years before deciding to return to Europe and never looking back.

The 32-year-old former NBA big man continued his basketball career in Europe and revealed the moment that impacted his decision to return.

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Nikola Mirotic spent five years in the NBACredit: Getty

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Nikola Mirotic shared why he walked away from the NBA for EuropeCredit: Getty
Mirotic spent five seasons in the NBA, jumping from city to city and playing for three teams.

He expressed displeasure with his role in the NBA and detailed in an interview with Eurohoops when he decided to return to Europe while sitting at the airport.

"I felt that time was passing, and I had not played the best basketball of my life, although it was very good," Mirotic said.

"As soon as I didn't feel that joy and happiness to improve. I said it was time to go back and do something bigger in Europe."

"For me, the most important thing has always been enjoying the game, being happy, an important piece, trying to win the titles and, if I'm not in that environment, I don't care about all the money. I'm going away."

Mirotic was a standout athlete growing up. He joined Real Madrid at 14 in 2005 and spent several seasons there before entering his name into the NBA draft.

The Houston Rockets selected him with the 23rd overall pick in the 2011 draft.

That draft was loaded and featured superstars Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Kawhi Leonard, and several other NBA All-Stars.

However, Mirotic didn't come to the NBA until 2015 after electing to stay in Spain for a few more seasons — by this time he had been traded to the Chicago Bulls.

He would go on to make the All-NBA rookie in his first season and spent the three with the Bulls, but a nasty fight in practice with a teammate ended his tenure with the team.

In 2017, Mirotic and teammate Bobby Portis got into an altercation, resulting in multiple facial fractures for Mirotic.

He would go on to play for the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks before heading back home to play.

Mirotic made over $41million during his time in the NBA and continues to play in Europe.

He's expected to sign with Partizan Mozzart Bet of the EuroLeague, where he averaged 15.9 points a game last season.

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He was drafted by the Houston Rockets in the 2011 NBA draftCredit: Getty

Prince Harry and Meghan was left "in tears" and "furious" after he was evicted from Frogmore Cottage, with the Duke of Sussex feeling his father King Charles was being "vindictive"

Harry and Meghan were 'evicted' from Frogmore Cottage last year (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry was left "absolutely furious and in tears" following the eviction from Frogmore Cottage, a Royal expert has claimed, shedding light on the Sussexes' distressing experience.

Over a year ago, in March 2023, after Prince Harry's explosive memoir 'Spare' was published, it emerged that King Charles had requested his son and daughter-in-law Meghan Markle to leave Frogmore Cottage. This reportedly incensed Harry.

A source informed The Standard at that time: "The Sussexes are no longer leasing Frogmore Cottage. That privilege has been removed."

Additionally, the source mentioned: "It's over for them in the UK. If they want a residence in the UK they will have to buy one privately," reports the Mirror.

Subsequently, in June 2023, Meghan and Harry returned the keys to Frogmore Cottage, with their belongings being transported to California.

Prince Harry was reportedly 'furious' (Image: Getty Images)

Royal commentator and writer Tom Quinn told the Mirror: "Harry was absolutely furious and in tears about being evicted from Frogmore he felt his father had no right to do it and that it was purely vindictive."

Quinn further explained that Harry failed to understand how stepping down as a working Royal would naturally lead to losing his Royal home, interpreting the move as a "cruel rejection" by his father, King Charles III.

Mr Quinn revealed: "Harry took it as a cruel rejection a painful reminder of all that he felt when his father fought with his mother during their long drawn out, painful divorce.

Harry had all his belongings moved from Frogmore Cottage to California (Image: Getty Images)

"Whenever Charles puts his foot down, it seems unfair to Harry who feels that after everything that has happened to him, he should always get whatever he wants whether that be security paid for by the British taxpayer or a luxurious UK home."

He summarised his insights stating: "For many Harry is just a poor little rich kid behaving like a spoiled brat, but Harry sees himself as the eternal victim."