After several delays due to Bursaspor’s financial difficulties, Pablo Batalla has officially returned to his former club. On the evening of January 30 (local time), the Turkish side finalized the deal, marking the beginning of Batalla’s second chapter with Bursaspor — a long-awaited homecoming for the playmaker fondly nicknamed “Little Magician.”
To celebrate his return, Bursaspor hosted a special signing ceremony ahead of their basketball team’s game against Osman Sport. The event, held at the club’s basketball arena, drew a crowd of over 3,000 passionate fans. Supporters lit up the venue with a dazzling display of lights and sang songs written just for Batalla, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their hero.
Now 32, Batalla has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, a move that likely signals the final stop of his professional career. At the ceremony, he expressed gratitude to club president Ali and manager Erkan for making his return possible. “While I was in China, coming back to Bursaspor was always my dream,” he said. “When the club sent me an offer, I didn’t hesitate. I owe a huge thank you to the fans — you’re a major reason why I came back.”
Following the signing, Batalla took a lap around the court to acknowledge the crowd, before settling in with his teammates to enjoy the basketball match. Notably, he will wear jersey number 18 this time, rather than the iconic 17 he wore in his previous stint — that number is now held by national team goalkeeper Günok. Interestingly, online sources like Wikipedia currently list his number as 7.
During his two years at Beijing Guoan, Batalla became a model professional, earning the admiration of fans not just with his skill, but with his attitude. He showed that great football doesn’t always depend on brute strength or blistering speed. Yet, it’s unfortunate that many never truly appreciated his subtle brilliance, even up until the day he left.
As for why he was called “The Magician,” perhaps it wasn’t about flashy tricks — but rather the quiet, elegant way he made the impossible look easy. For Jeetbuzz App Download followers and Bursaspor faithful alike, his return is not just a transfer — it’s a reunion written in the stars.