Kyriakopoulos: “Bologna must aim for Europe, Marcelo is my idol”

Bologna agreed a deal with Sassuolo on January transfer deadline day to loan Giorgos Kyriakopoulos out on loan (with an option to buy) until the end of the season. The 26-year-old full-back is due to be introduced to representatives of the press on Thursday ( 2/2) and to show his enthusiasm for the new side of his career.

The former Asteras Tripoli defender made it clear that the Rossoblu should be aiming for Europe because of their history, citing both the position he likes to play in and his compatriot Babis Lykogiannis, with whom they are fighting for a spot on the left side will fight.

“We’ve been talking to Bologna since December, it was a special and complicated negotiation. In the end we agreed and I’m happy. Nothing happened with Sassuolo, we always have a great relationship.

I am fitness fit and willing to help. I like the way Bologna play. I think I can help the team straight away because it suits my style of play.

I like to attack, I’m extreme, which helps in that part. I can also play as a winger. I’ve always played as a full-back, but I also moved up the ladder in Greece and learned the position.

Those are my qualities and I think I can pull them off here as well. Thiago Motta will decide, we haven’t discussed my position yet but we will for sure during the week.”stressed the 26-year-old international left-back in his first statements at his presentation, adding:

“I spoke to Lykogiannis before I came, he told me Bologna are a fantastic side, but we have a personal relationship with him off the pitch, he’s my friend.

We will have a professional competition and together we can help the team. Bologna management and team should aim high because Bologna deserves to play in Europe because of its history.

In Sassuolo we had two great seasons with De Gerbi in those 3.5 years, but without being able to go to Europe. Now we can do it.”

As for Roberto De Gerbi, Kyriakopoulos said “I forever thank him for choosing me, but also for how he got me to work.” When he was called to reveal his idol, he said so “In my place is Marcelo when he was at Real”.

Joining Kyriakopoulos in the room was Giovanni Sartori with Rossoblu’s technical director, who dripped honey on the Emilia Romagna team’s acquisition and recalled his impressive assist record from last season.

“Not only was he an excellent full-back, he was also often used as a left winger. Its numbers are remarkable last year he had 1 goal and 7 assists, behind only Teo Hernandez in this statistical category.

He knows Italian football and that played a role in the transfer because we wanted a player who speaks the language and can help us straight away.

We loaned him out with an option to buy which we hope to activate at the end of the season.” he said characteristically.