Ange Postecoglou has pulled off a major coup, convincing Greek striker Apostolos Giannou to switch his allegiance to Australia.
Giannou, who is the second-highest scorer in the Greek Super League with 13 goals, has signed for Chinese side Guangzhou R&F and expressed his intention to play for the Socceroos.
“Australia would be better for me as a footballer, to play for them and to give them everything I can and to bring the best out of me,” Giannou told Fox Sports.
The striker did appear in an international friendly for Greece last year, but is still eligible to play for Australia.
Should he turn out for Australia in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers in March, Giannou will then be tied to the Socceroos for the rest of his career. In an ironic twist of fate, Giannou could then end up facing his former international side when Australia meet Greece in a friendly series in June.
Giannou was born in Greece but raised in Melbourne, and played for the Victorian Institute of Sport, Oakleigh Cannons and South Melbourne.
He was also part of the Australian Under-17s squad coached by Postecoglou before he returned to Greece, but the prospect of linking up again with the Socceroos boss is an appealing one for the striker.
“The politics here are more than usual, I know that Australia has been going upwards since Ange took over,” Giannou said.
“You don’t need to say much. The thing about Ange, which I appreciate, is he didn’t push me to play for Australia. He wanted to see how my mind was and how I thought about it.”
Despite the sudden change of scenery, Giannou says he is looking forward to the move to Asia.
“I think it’s time for me to move on. I’ve been wanting to get out of Greece to play internationally in other countries,” he said.
“If it didn’t happen in Europe, I think Asia is the next big thing.”
dasilva
Guest
Well Tim Cahill was desperately to play for Ireland at the 2002 World Cup. His appeal to play for Ireland was rejected and his failure to play for them (as he was locked for Samoa) led to rule changes and only after that rule change did he choose to play for Australia. Ultimately it's professionalism and even Aussie hero Tim Cahill would have played for Ireland if it suited him professionally
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Good luck to the lad
Horto Magiko
Roar Rookie
"What an absolute disgrace." What an absolutely disgraceful thing to say. And a truly naive thing to say. Some people are walking stereotypes.. I'm sure you'll be thoroughly miffed when he nets goals for the socceroos.
whiskeymac
Guest
Am sure he'll kiss the crest when he scores and all will be well. Good luck to him whatever eventuates.
Kris
Guest
“Australia would be better for me as a footballer, to play for them and to give them everything I can and to bring the best out of me,” What an absolute disgrace. Not "I am Australian and I'm desperate to represent my country" or anything of the sort. Playing international football is about having pride in the shirt you're wearing, not whichever colours are the best professional decision for you.