Young Socceroos defender Adrian Neoklis has revealed how lucky he was to have escaped Spain almost two months ago as the coronavirus pandemic severely worsened, SBS The World Game reports.
The Greek Australian Young Socceroo arrived in Sydney on March 16, returning from his current club, Mislata CF, which is in the Spanish fourth division.
“I had to come back as soon as possible,” he told The World Game.
“It was getting really bad in Spain. I had to come back and there was only four weeks left of the season. Now they’ve actually cancelled the season, so I was lucky I did come back otherwise I wouldn’t have been allowed.”
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Neoklis spoke about the terrifying situation in Spain before he left, saying that there were no supplies available to survive off his temporary home in Valencia.
“There was no food there to survive. So I thought I really do need to get out of here.”
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The Greek Australian defender moved to Spain at the start of last year at the age of 17. Prior to his move overseas he played for NPL side Rockdale City Suns, as well as at the youth teams of both Western Sydney and Sydney FC.
After trials at several clubs, the fullback from Wattle Grove earned a deal at Mislata and was called up to the Young Socceroos training camp in Holland in February, The World Game reports.
Adrian Neoklis confirmed his Greek background to the Greek Herald, stating his family originated from Mytilene, Lesbos.
Click here to read the full interview with SBS The World Game
