The next big thing of Greek football and the Panathinaikou. A football “tank” on the field, a goal scorer who in every game proves his worth and how much he can achieve. The definition of “cold-blooded”, with incredible goals in moments when the ball is on fire…
THE Fotis Ioannidis he is in his fourth year at Panathinaikos and really seems unstoppable. He came to Koropi from Levadeiakos, at the age of 20 he wore it “trefoil” in the chest and has since impressed with his hard work, scoring acumen and continuous improvement. Elements that make him stand out in Greece and Europe. It is no coincidence that a bunch of big foreign clubs have him on their agenda, they watch the “things and wonders” he does on the grass and “sugarcoat” him. For Fotis, however, but also for Panathinaikos, at the moment there is a path and it is… green!
THE Fotis Ioannidis talks about Panathinaikos and football
What does Panathinaikos mean to you?
For everyone who plays at the club it is a huge honour. It’s a huge team, with a huge history and that’s what motivates us to help the team get where it deserves to be. Wearing the shamrock on the chest is a great honor for any footballer who comes through the team.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Panathinaikos?
I think I can single out two moments. One is winning the cup, because it’s a trophy and it’s something important, I think, for all of us. It is important for me to win trophies with Panathinaikos. After all, this is something I aim for with the team. And of course, it’s also the night with the qualification at the Velodrome in Marseille, where I played a decisive role. That night was something I will never forget because I managed to score a very crucial penalty at a very special moment.
If you were told to describe Panathinaikos in one word, what would it be?
Idea.
What was the first thing you thought when you first put on the Panathinaikos jersey on your debut?
The first time I raced everything was very different. Until then I was playing for Levadeiakos, which however we do it and with all due respect, does not have the weight that Panathinaikos has. However, it really taught me a lot of lessons. I learned a lot of things, but when I came here it was like a university. When I came to Panathinaikos, I realized that the weight of the shirt, but also everything here, is very different. I realized that now things are serious and I can’t be complacent at all. I should always give 100% to help the team.
What dream do you want to fulfill with Panathinaikos?
When I had signed for those four years, my goal was to win at least one championship and two cups. So far I have won one cup, so this year we have to do the double to achieve what I had in mind. Of course, this does not mean that my journey with Panathinaikos will end here. That’s what I said when I signed my first contract. Now I’m in my last year but I’ve renewed so the goals will definitely be renewed too. What I want right now is to win the championship this year, win more in the coming years and make a big run in Europe.
What is your best moment at Panathinaikos? One appearance, one goal, one game in total, what would be the highlight of your career in the team?
In general I have made many appearances which I would like to stay. In football terms, you who are watching may not understand it, but there are many performances that I have made and I have said that this is probably my best performance, without necessarily scoring goals. The biggest burden was the match against Marseille in which I came on as a substitute. This, I think, was one of my best games. Of course it was also the goal against Villarreal – my first European, in a packed OAKA. It’s a chilling moment and memory, and arguably a barometer win for the team because it was Panathinaikos’ return to Europe.
Is there anything you would change about what you have experienced at Panathinaikos?
As a person I don’t want to change many things. I believe that everything that happens in our lives happens for a reason and to learn a lesson. If I had to change something I would choose the last weeks with my injury because I’m also testing myself, I tried to come in earlier to help the team, I rushed and that “punished me”.
Fotis Ioannidis, in the specially designed area of the training center “G. Kalafatis” for the recovery of football players © Tassos Anestis
It’s something that makes me very happy when the little kids see me and they’re happy like they’re seeing an idol, like when I was a kid and I saw different players that I admired
How are you living this whole period of your personal ascension and how easy is it to manage when all the lights are on you?
I have people by my side who help me in this part. After all, my father, let’s say, has lived through all this, so he has helped me a lot in how to manage any situation, whether positive or negative. What’s been happening in the last two years, to tell you the truth, I’m enjoying it a lot. It makes me happy when the children see me and are happy. That’s the most important thing for me, that the little kids are happy as if they see an idol, just like when I was little I used to see different players that I admired. It is important to show children the right role model and not something ugly or something bad, because that is what sticks in their minds. Of course, it goes without saying that I am very happy that the adult world also rejoices with me, celebrates with me, grieves with me and with our team. I think now I know how to manage all this and I don’t think it can hurt me in any way.
How do you feel about all the talk of offers and transfers? How does a player generally react in such situations? Fascinated? Are they losing their minds?
Of course as a football player it is something that fascinates you. We all have dreams of playing in the big clubs of Europe since we were little. However, I as a person have never changed my thoughts. My thoughts only concern Panathinaikos. Panathinaikos is what interests me because through it I can achieve things, win trophies and all that sounds – the rumors, the interest, help me improve and offer even more to the team.
Did it ever cross your mind, during the time you were playing for Levadeiakos, how you would now be a star in a team with the name, history and jersey of Panathinaikos?
I was sure of that. Some may say I’m arrogant, but I’ve always had confidence and faith in myself. If I didn’t believe in myself I wouldn’t have made it this far. And all football players are like that. If you ask one by one “who is the best” they will show you themselves. When I was at Levadeiakos I had a dream to play in a big team, and I succeeded. I’m here, at Panathinaikos, and I’m fulfilling a dream I’ve had since I was little.
Did you have second thoughts about your first steps? And if so, what would you say to that Fotis if you could go back in time?
Of course I had bad thoughts too. I had thought of giving up everything, I had second thoughts when I went to live in Livadia. What I would tell myself is to keep believing in yourself. It is very important to believe in the dream and not give up.
Fotis Ioannidis, in the specially designed area of the training center “G. Kalafatis” for the recovery of football players © Tassos Anestis
I’m happy when little kids come and tell me “I’m Olympiacos, AEK, PAOK, I’m glad to see you” and ask me for a photo
What is the element that makes you stand out?
In my own eyes, I think I stand out in terms of how I handle bad moments on the field. This is what sets me apart and fills me with confidence. I remember, in one game, I had a quarter of an hour where the ball came to me three or four times and I lost it. Most players there would freeze, avoid contact with the ball and hide. I do exactly the opposite. The way I choose and want to respond is always on the field. On the spot I will ask for the ball to do what I know best. I want to make my every bad moment a success with the next one. I’m always thinking about the next step. That’s how I am as a person. As for the past, I just make sure it teaches me for next time. I don’t let it affect me negatively.
How do you receive all this love that the friends of all the teams have for you, but also of Panathinaikos?
First of all, I find it funny what is happening with the ugly turn of fan movements. Everyone can support any team they want, we have a democracy. The fact that there are people who fight, beat, stab each other for teams is tragic because football itself is about joy, and all this does not belong to sport. It makes me happy when my teammates are happy with me, celebrate the goals I score, when there are healthy fans on the field. This is the best.
Of course, there are those who do not understand the beauty and essence of football and this only harms them. If they write something about me and my teammates, it doesn’t affect us. They have seen my eyes too much and the only thing they manage to do is hurt themselves. I am happy when little children come and tell me “I’m Olympiacos, AEK, PAOK, I’m glad to see you” and they ask me for a photo. This is what we need in football, not toxicity.
