International left-back Dimitris Giannoulis has spoken for the first time about returning to Greek club PAOK following a five-and-a-half-year absence.
Speaking to PAOK TV, Giannoulis expressed his delight at wearing the club jersey again and said he was eager to start playing with the team. He noted that the summer transfer negotiations were a lengthy process requiring time due to a high level of difficulty, but added that both sides successfully reached an agreement.
Summer negotiations and squad dynamics
Reflecting on his development over the past five and a half years, Giannoulis said he is now a very different player. He explained that he brings greater calmness on the pitch, more experience, and a clearer mind, while maintaining the same running capacity he possessed previously.
Giannoulis also highlighted the presence of several Greek national team teammates in the dressing room. He described them as personal friends and said their presence provided extra motivation for him to rejoin the squad.
Club goals and Champions League target
Outlining team targets for the season, Giannoulis stated that PAOK aims to win the Greek league championship, win the Greek Cup, and mount a strong European campaign. He stated that playing in the Champions League with PAOK is his biggest motivation, though he clarified it is not his sole target alongside domestic success.
Asked to describe his return in a single word, Giannoulis selected perseverance. He attributed the completion of the transfer to persistence from both his own side and the club management under Ivan Savvidis. In a message to supporters, he said he is finally back and eager to perform in front of them.
