GIANNIS GIANNOTAS INTERVIEW

Giannis Giannotas, the young FC Aris striker, exclusively on the Super League website talks about his ambitions, and says that "at this moment, they only go through my club, FC Aris, with which I want to win a title. This is my greatest dream," and when asked by a fan on how he feels to wear the shirt of his favourite club, he points out that "this is a childhood dream cοme true." The full interview:

 

Question by Stavros Vorias

Giannis, how does a footballer feel when entering the Kleanthis Vikelidis stadium to play? How does the atmosphere affect his psychology?

"I personally feel awed. It is a feeling that cannot be described by words. I look forward to the moment I will enter the pitch of the Kleanthis Vikelidis stadium to play for these wonderful fans. And when the team scores, then I just love the sound coming from the stands."

 

Question by Themis Moutsokapas

If you had an offer to play in another championship, would you accept it?

"I would consider it, because, as I said in the past, any serious offer from a competitive international club is a challenge for any player."

 

Question by Anastasios Metikidis

Which do you think was your best appearance? And which was the match you enjoyed the most?

"The match I enjoyed the most was the one we played last year we FC OFI in Crete, because I scored the goal that meant three points for my team. As concerns the other part of your question, i.e. my best appearance, I don't think I am the one to say which one it was. I simply think that I played well against FC OFI and FC Panionios at Kleanthis Vikelidis during the previous season."

 

Question by Sakis Samboulis

What would be a reason to leave FC Aris?

"To secure my future and that of my family. Of course, all these on the basis that there would be a serious offer from a major foreign club."

 

Question by Panagiota Exarhou and Christos Bitos

Do you have any personal ambitions? What are your aspirations in football terms? If you had the chance to play in a major foreign club, which one would you prefer?

"There are always personal ambitions, which currently only go through my club, FC Aris, with which I want to win a title. This is my biggest dream, after winning the championship two years ago with the U20 team. As regards my aspirations, I don't believe that one could put a ceiling. Therefore, if I ever had the opportunity to play abroad, I would rather play in the German championship which is one of the top European championships."

 

Question by Giorgos Kirkmalis

Have you ever watched a football match as a fan, chanting for a club?

"Yes, of course, for FC Aris. Both from the stand, where I have chanted and as a ball boy when I was at the Academies of the club."

 

Question by Nikolaos Babis

Do you think that such a young team with only three experienced players could easily keep FC Aris in the top division?

"This is not a matter of question. We are a good, young team and the future is ahead of us; time is on our side. We will fare better in the coming matches, victories will come and I believe that at the end of the season we are going to be close to the top. Far higher than some people now think."

 

Question by Nikos Tzelepis

Which major European football player would you wish to be your teammate?

"Lionel Messi, no second thoughts there. In my opinion, he is the best player of all time and any footballer would wish to have him as a teammate."

 

Question by Niki Vladika

Can FC Aris win the Greek Cup?

"The Cup is traditionally among the major goals of the club. FC Aris in the last years reached the final many times, but, unfortunately, for a different reason each time, did not win the trophy. This year also, the Cup is among our goals and I hope that if we are lucky in the draw, we can reach high in the competition. I wish we will reach the final this time too and finally win the Cup."

 

Question by Antonis Kamakas

What is your opinion on this season's standard for the Super League and which European competition do you think is the most spectacular this year?

"It certainly is lower than the past years. The good thing is most clubs have young players, who in the future will be able to raise the standard. As regards the second part of your question, I think that the most spectacular European championship also this season is the Premier League."

 

Question by Giannis Spanoudis

What is the atmosphere among the players?

"The atmosphere in the dressing rooms is positive. Besides, we mostly know each other since we were in the grassroot teams of Aris, we have common experiences, we share the same dreams and we want to do our best to help the club reach the top and play a decisive role in the championship."

 

Question by Kyriakos Paskos

How does it feel to play for the club you loved since childhood?

"This is a childhood dream cοme true. I feel wonderful and I think it is my honour to wear the shirt of such a great club."

 

Question by Grigoris Deliopoulos

If you receive an offer with a major contract from another Greek club, will you accept it or would you rather stay in Aris with a smaller contract?

"I repeat that Aris will always be my first choice in Greece. In the event though that I receive an offer which is beneficial to the club and to me, then I will consider it."

 

Question by Giorgos Tsompanoglou

Why did you choose shirt 20 for the second consecutive year?

"This is the number I wore on my shirt when I first joined the FC Aris Academies, when I came from Halkidiki."

 

Question by Dimitris Christidis

What is your favourite hobby?

"To watch good and quality films in order to relax and take long walks in order to be calm."