The Greek-Australian soccer club Sydney Olympic FC has struck a deal to acquire Greek international player Angelos Charisteas, who has agreed to join the team for the upcoming National Premier League season beginning in March.
The club which was founded by Greek immigrants in 1957 under the original name “Panellinios” is competing in the first League in New South Wales.
“For us to secure someone like him is great as we are not an A-League club, but it is also a reminder that we are still around and can still attract some great players. It is also a great chance for him to show he still has something,” said the club’s technical director Arthur Diles. He added, “We have also stipulated that he will work with our juniors in training, which is very important to us.”
The 33-year-old Greek retired forward is best known for his heroics in Greece’s 2004 European championship triumph, where he scored the winning goal in the final.
He has played for over 17 years for some of the major European clubs, including the German powerhouses of Werder Bremen, Schalke and Bayer Leverkusen, as well as Dutch Ajax and Feyernood.
In recent years, the former National Soccer League club has also brought former Liverpool legend Ian Rush to Australia for three games.
The good news however, does not stop there, with Diles confirming other possible international signings, including Greek former Liverpool defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Pantelis Kafes for later in the season.