Fotis Ioannidis: 'Sporting is a Huge Challenge'

Fotis Ioannidis is officially a Sporting Lisbon player, having signed a contract until the summer of 2030. The 26-year-old forward made his first statements as a player for the Portuguese team, describing his transfer as a 'huge challenge'.

'I want to thank you all for the warm welcome. I really like the club and its ideas,' said Ioannidis, adding that he loves Lisbon. He set goals to win the championship and have a good European run.

Referring to his transfer, which turned into a saga, he joked, 'I hope the delay was worth it.' The transfer of Ioannidis is the most expensive in the history of Panathinaikos, with Panathinaikos receiving 25 million euros (22 million plus 3 million in bonuses) and retaining a 25% resale rate.

Ioannidis also spoke about his relationship with Giorgos Vagiannidis, saying that they exchanged messages and that Vagiannidis told him the best things about the team. He also expressed his eagerness to meet Hjulmand.