Who needs the English Premier League? Oh, that’s right…

By: Chris Paraskevas | August 23rd, 2009

…clearly, Sotiris Kyrgiakos does, AEK’s talisman, captain and resident “belt-the-crap-out-of-all-players-and-annoying-VIPs-in-my-path” Greece international leaving the club this week in the biggest transfer in the history of Greek football.

His destination? None other than Liverpool, which makes his move oh-so-special within the context of a growing number of Greeks representing their country abroad.

Aside from the obvious advantages this has for the Greek domestic scene in terms of raising the profile of the game – as well as the fact that his form and fitness should improve for the national team during a precarious time of World Cup Qualification – there is the little matter of a now heavily depleted AEK squad.

Perhaps it would be a little naive to say that Kyrgiakos’ decision to leave the club after just having committed himself to the cause for a further four years is a sign of the times for AEK, as any player at almost any club in Europe would find it hard to turn down Liverpool (let alone a 30 year-old international playing for a club without a league title in 15 years and lacking totally in direction…)

However, it arrives during one of the most painful periods in recent memory for a loyal collection of fans who have been forced to watch a dreadful pre-season both on and off the pitch, the result of which was an embarrassing defeat to little-known Romanian outfit Vaslui in the first leg of an important Europa League qualifier.

The fact that Dusan Bajevic’s side will qualify is not the point; more concerning are suggestions that he was ready to leave the club following Kyrgiakos’ departure for what is a very cheap €3 million.

Since taking over at the half-way point of last season and admirably taking the side to within touching distance of UEFA Champions League football and an unlikely Greek Cup triumph, the Serb tactician has had little in the way of support from a board who quite frankly, need to be relieved of their duties by a strong character with the money to back up his personality.

In the meantime, a crucial opening-day derby clash with Olympiakos looms, which has largely been overshadowed by Kyrgiakos’ departure.

Thankfully, most AEK fans appear to have used their senses in reacting to the move, thanking the Greek international for even having joined the club in the first place despite his talents and the interest in his signature.

They are unlikely to reserve such understanding for the club’s administration if Olympiakos cruise to victory at the OAKA Spiros Louis…