By Panagiotis Dalatariof
Twenty years ago, Greece and Hellenism worldwide experienced the ultimate miracle. Our country became football champions of Europe. Greece reached the pinnacle of European football.
From then until now, the lives of all who participated in that epic achievement have never been the same. Nor have the lives of anyone who loves sport.
From December 5 – 15, the Greek diaspora in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide will once again have the joy of experiencing this magic up close. Greek football legends Angelos Charisteas, George Karagounis, and Theodoros Zagorakis are visiting Australia to relive those glorious moments of the Euro 2004.
In Sydney, Liberty IT and the Football Brilliance Academy are hosting a special dinner at Olympus restaurant in Surry Hills to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Greece’s historic European football victory. This exclusive event offers guests the chance to dine alongside Karagounis, Zagorakis, and Charisteas, whilst enjoying a lively Q&A, a meet-and-greet with the legends, and a curated menu that promises an unforgettable culinary experience.
Liberty IT CEO John Dimitropoulos said, “It’s an absolute honour to host such talented superstars in Sydney; we are incredibly excited for what is sure to be an incredible night!”
‘Australia is absolutely wonderful’:
44-year-old Charisteas, Greece’s golden scorer in the Euro final against Portugal, spoke to The Greek Herald ahead of the event and shared his excitement about meeting with the Greek diaspora in Australia.
As a Greek living abroad for 16 years, he fully understands what it means to live far from one’s homeland.
“I haven’t been to Australia since 2005, when we played a friendly match in Melbourne, and I’m truly thrilled to have the chance to return… to see the Greeks there again and visit not only Melbourne, but also Sydney and Adelaide,” Charisteas said.
“For me personally, having lived abroad for 16 years, I completely understand what it means to be a Greek living overseas – though Australia is absolutely wonderful.”
When asked what people can expect from the Greek Legends tour, Charisteas said, “both ‘Kara’ (Karagounis), ‘Zagor’ (Zagorakis), and I are ready for action. We’re prepared for matches and training sessions.”
“Our goal is to meet the younger generation, see their talent, talk to them, train with them, and show them some additional skills,” he added.
“It’s also a great opportunity to engage with the community there, with the Greeks, and to share ideas, suggestions, and exchange expertise.”
In a final message to The Greek Herald’s readers, Charisteas said, “I want to tell the Greeks of Australia that it is very special to me that there is a small – yet great – Greece where our country is represented in such a unique way. I am proud of them, and I believe we are going to have a wonderful time together.”
Charisteas’ incredible football career:
Charisteas is one of the most accomplished Greek footballers to have played in Europe, representing top clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen, Schalke, Werder Bremen, Nuremberg, Ajax, and Feyenoord. Throughout his career, he played 405 matches, scoring 95 goals and providing 37 assists.
At the club level, he achieved significant success:
- Germany: Won the league and cup double with Werder Bremen in the 2003-2004 season.
- Schalke: Lifted the German Cup in the 2010-2011 season.
- Netherlands: With Ajax, he won the Dutch Cup and the Super Cup in the 2005-2006 season.
Of course, his crowning achievement remains winning Euro 2004 with the Greek national team – a triumph that stands unmatched in his long and successful football career.
Charisteas’ career in numbers
- Aris: 103 matches, 21 goals, 1 assist
- Werder Bremen: 91 matches, 28 goals, 9 assists
- Nuremberg: 68 matches, 13 goals, 10 assists
- Ajax: 45 matches, 15 goals, 7 assists
- Feyenoord: 34 matches, 10 goals, 3 assists
- Panetolikos: 26 matches, 4 goals, 5 assists
- Bayer Leverkusen: 16 matches, 2 goals, 2 assists
- Al-Nassr: 9 matches
- Arles-Avignon: 7 matches
- Schalke: 5 matches
- Athinaikos: 1 match
To purchase tickets to the special dinner at Olympus restaurant in Surry Hills with Charisteas, Karagounis and Zagorakis, please visit this link. The event is hosted by Liberty IT and the Football Brilliance Academy
