Kiriakidis starts Larissa adventure

Greek Cup winners Larissa FC have signed Ilias Kiriakidis from Super League rivals AEK Athens FC as they prepare for UEFA Cup action next season.

Three-year deal
The 22-year-old defensive midfielder has agreed a three-year contract. Having started his career at Ionikos FC in 2002, he joined AEK in January 2005 and played in 30 league games and five UEFA Champions League matches for the capital side. "Larissa are one of the best Greek teams," said Kiriakidis. "They are very well-organised and what matters to me the most is that head coach Giorgos Donis wants me to be a part of this squad.

AEK memories
"I am glad that everybody involved in my transfer - Larissa, AEK Athens and me - was left satisfied with the deal," he added. "I will never forget my time at AEK and especially the victories in the UEFA Champions League [against AC Milan and LOSC Lille Métropole]. But now I look forward to my career with Larissa and also our participation in the UEFA Cup." Larissa will enter the competition in the first round after beating Panathinaikos FC 2-1 in the Greek Cup final.