AVRAAM Papadopoulos makes a long awaited homecoming to Melbourne this weekend, but it’s Brisbane where the Roar defender wants to make his permanent base.
The former Greek international, who was born in the Victorian capital before leaving Australia aged three, has been a hit since joining the Roar in February as an injury-replacement player for Daniel Bowles, who required a knee reconstruction and won’t play again until next season.
Papadopoulos will again be at the heart of Brisbane’s defence on Sunday when the Roar take on Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park for a spot in the A-League grand final.
“I am very happy that after so many years I am (going) back to my home town,” the 32-year-old former Olympiacos captain said.
Brisbane Roar defender Avraam Papadopoulos.Source:News Corp Australia
“I have a lot of relatives and friends that are waiting to see me play, and I am very happy to meet them all.”
Papadopoulos has similar sentiments for Roar supporters, and wants to extend his stay in Brisbane beyond this season.
“I am really happy to be part of the Roar family. Everyone has welcomed and accepted me very well,” he said.
“If the coach, the fans and all the staff want me to stay and they are pleased with me, I want to stay.
“But at this moment, the next game is important. We need to win. That is our focus.”
Roar football director Craig Moore said talks to keep Papadopoulos in Brisbane long-term had started.
“He’s come in and shown that he’s played at the highest level, and it was just what our club needed,” Moore said.
Unavailable for the Roar’s AFC Champions League clash on Wednesday night against Muangthong United in Thailand due to suspension, Papadopoulos was one of many first-team regulars who remained in Brisbane this week to properly prepare for Sunday’s do-or-die encounter.
“We were training hard and now we feel ready to meet the rest of the squad in Melbourne. We have some days to train together before the game which is also good,” he said.
“I am looking forward to the match, and what’s most important is all my teammates to be focused and play for the win.”
Success over the Victory will earn three-time champions Brisbane a fourth grand final appearance in seven years.
“I believe that we can win the trophy. We have very good players that are very professional with high quality,” Papadopoulos said.
“Roar can be champions.”
Originally published as Papadopoulos: I want to stay
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