After a terrible race, the AEK conquered her Stoiximan Super League and is still in the process of… celebrations.
One of the pivotal protagonists of the Union, the Sergio Araujowas hosted on Demis Nikolaidis’ show “Monday FC”, on Novasports channels, together with Petros Mandalos.
“Chino” talked about his feelings after winning the title, about his relationship with Latchhis collaboration with Matias Almeida but also his future in AEK.
In detail what he said to the NOVA camera:
For the differences between this year’s championship and the 2018 one: “They are different from each other. It is a unique feeling that we experienced this year. Because we played the last game at home and it was special for all the kids who competed.”
On his collaboration with Almeida: “It was easier for me because we speak the same language as Almeida. I had talked to him and I knew what he wanted. His main element was that from the first day he wanted to be champion and to fight until the end.”
On whether any moment stands out: “Everything was special. After three weeks I was out it was a unique feeling to come home and we won the championship. It was one of the best moments of my life.”.
For the special position he had in Almeida’s system: “It’s something that comes out on the field. Talking to Matias, he told me “do whatever you want”. I was far from the goal but I try to help my teammates. When I have to defend myself I am there to do it. I have missed a lot of chances and I could score 5-6 more goals this year. As I said after the game with Aris, I lost a goal all by myself just like in 2018 when we won the championship, I considered it a sign.”
On whether there was ever a time when he believed the title would be lost: “We were far away in points but we had faith. And our coach has made it clear that he wants us to be champions. We had chances to go first but we didn’t do it. After our defeat by PAOK, I said it would be better if we were second now and then win the championship”.
For the post he made about Mandalo: “I know he has suffered and what he has been through. We were playing badly and losing and everyone was blaming him. When we are together I always enjoy it, it seems like we have known each other for years. It’s time for him to stop suffering. He deserves it more than anyone.”
On whether he expected what would happen when he came to AEK in 2017: “I think not. When I came I wasn’t competing in Spain at all. And here I managed to prove what I couldn’t in Spain. From the first game I played in the AEK jersey it was something unique, that’s why I always came back here and to no other team”
On whether he felt pressure to take Demi’s number “11”: “I knew who had worn the 11 and I knew the pressure that would bring. I had to live up to those expectations and do my best. I chose “11” because I liked it as a number and I knew the story it carries.”
For the fact that he constantly honors the memory of the deceased Alkis: “It’s just something that works for me. I hope these moments will help us change Greek football. I’m honored to have done it.”
For the goal he scored in Toumba with an assist from Mandalu: “I always expect a pass from Petros, I tell him every game, pass me the ball and I’ll be there to score. In previous years this happened more often because we played together more. He is the best player in Greek football. The way he understands the game is great, I really enjoy playing with him.”
On whether he will end his career at AEK: “I don’t know, it’s complicated, it’s also my family issue because I have a daughter. Every time I go to Spain he asks me why I have to leave again. I want to be happy. When I’m not in a place I will say so and it will be the best for everyone.”
On whether he singles out a teammate’s offer: “It is difficult to choose a teammate. Everyone has given what they could, but the most important was of course Almeida. If I absolutely had to say someone, I would choose Pinedas.”
For the Cup: “Whenever you play a final you want to be the champion. The other day I was talking to my friends and they told me that it has been over thirty years that AEK has not won a double. I will be close to the team even though I can’t play”
Regarding the fact that the final of the next Conference will take place at the “Opap Arena” and if he aims to go there with AEK: “Let us be champions and let the final be wherever it is. I missed playing in Europe, it’s my chance to play there and it gives me a lot of motivation. I will fight to overcome my injury and compete in the qualifiers”
For the opponent that felt the most difficult: “It was a very difficult year for everyone. We had confidence that everything would go well and we did. The most difficult opponent was Panathinaikos but we knew we were better. Matias gave us this philosophy”.
About the atmosphere in the “Opap Arena”: “It reminds me of Boca Juniors. I can’t describe it, the stadium is “shaking”. There were times when when the match started people wanted us to score the first goal quickly, sometimes that led us to mistakes because we were in a hurry.”
On his relationship with Mandalo: “From the first moment there was a nice chemistry. I don’t know how he understands me because I don’t speak English or Greek. He is my brother and I love him very much”
For the most beautiful goal he has scored with AEK: “The one I had against Olympiakos in OAKA for the Cup, with the left foot.”
For the team he supports outside of Greece: “Las Palmas, whenever I can I always watch her games. Of the rest, Barcelona.”
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
