‘I feel at home in Australia’: Euro 2004 legend George Karagounis

·

By Panagiotis Dalatariof.

Euro 2004 legend, George Karagounis, has spoken to The Greek Herald ahead of his upcoming visit to Sydney, Australia this month.

When we ask Karagounis what it means to him to be able to visit Sydney for the first time, he said he was “looking forward to it.”

I have visited Australia before, but this is the first time I will visit Sydney. Honestly, I’m looking forward to it because it’s always special to be among Greeks of the diaspora,” the Greek soccer legend told The Greek Herald.

George Karagounis.

“It is easy to see how much those Greeks, who moved to the other side of the world for a better future, love their country.”

During his official Sydney tour, which has been organised by the Football Brilliance Academy and the Heartbeat of Football Foundation, Karagounis will be attending a charity gala dinner at the Grand Roxy at Brighton-Le-Sands on Friday, October 14.

Later in the month, Karagounis will also be reliving the glory days as he partakes in the ‘Karagounis Legends Game’ at Leichhardt’s Lambert Park on Sunday, 23 October.

The former Panathinaikos, Inter Milan and Fulham player said the main purpose of this tour is to connect with the youth.

“There is nothing better than seeing children’s smiles. Children who weren’t even born in 2004 and know what the Greek national team accomplished 18 years ago ,” Karagounis said.

“The tour will also be supporting a friendly charity. We will talk to the children and not only that, we will play. I hope that those who will be on the field and at the gala will enjoy it.”

There’s no doubt everyone is excited for Karagounis’ arrival. The man himself said he’s always surprised by how much joy his presence brings to the Greek diaspora in Australia.

“It’s a nice feeling for me too,” he said.

Karagounis.

“Being able to bring joy to people because they see you up close, is unique. The Greeks in Australia and abroad are always hospitable. I feel like I’m in Greece. I feel at home in Australia.”

So what does he hope to achieve with these visits abroad and to Australia?

“Even the new generation, which was not born in 2004, knows what we have achieved. This is very important to us. We feel that we are passing our success down to the next generations,” Karagounis answered.

“Also, I hope all the children of 2004 will motivate many Greeks abroad to play soccer and to keep the Greek element alive.”

George Karagounis hopes to inspire the next generation.

What are his hopes and plans for the future?

He confirmed he was once asked by current Celtic FC coach, Ange Postecoglou, to play for Melbourne Victory FC but “in the end it didn’t go to plan.”

Instead, his focus is now on “doing something more coordinated to inspire more Greek females in soccer in Australia.”

“Anything involving children is always nice, let along them seeing you up close and playing with you. It is a great joy to know that you can inspire children. The new generation need inspiration and motivation to succeed,” Karagounis concluded.

Find out more about George Karagounis’ Sydney tour here: Euro 2004 legend George Karagounis to partake in Sydney charity match.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Maria and Arthur: A second generation Greek Australian love story

Maria, Arthur and I grew up together in a working-class, inner-city suburb of Melbourne. This was in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Greek series ‘Maestro in Blue’ returns for third season

Nearly two years after its debut and rise to Netflix's top 10, Maestro in Blue is set to return with its third season.

Niki Louca shares her traditional Greek recipe for halva

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for halva with The Greek Herald.

How Sarah Di Lorenzo’s pappou inspired her new cookbook ‘My Mediterranean Life’

Sarah Di Lorenzo is a wealth of knowledge regarding health and wellness. She is also a single mother of three daughters.

World Tourism Organisation lists Anogia among best villages in the world

The World Tourism Organization has named Anogia, Crete, one of the 55 best villages of the world for 2024.

You May Also Like

‘My success is their success’: Life coach Connie Theodoridis on her influential Greek upbringing

As an award-winning life and business coach, Connie Theodoridis has dedicated her life to ensuring individuals and businesses.

Peter V’landys lashes out at match officials for threatening to go on strike

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has expressed his anger at match officials after revealing the NRL is facing up to $200,000 in legal costs.

TV doctor Michael Mosley’s cause of death on Greek island revealed

An initial post-mortem report has revealed that Popular British TV doctor, Michael Mosley likely died of natural causes.