“End of an era” for Yiannis Mistakidis. The former striker of PAOK and Panathinaikos announced his decision to retire from active action at the age of 30 and after five surgeries in a long statement issued on Wednesday.
Mystakidis’ last team this year was Campaniakos Chalastras of Super League 2.
In detail, the announcement:
“It is a very difficult moment for me, as the time has come when I have to say goodbye to what I dreamed of and loved since I was a small child:
FOOTBALL
The time has come when, for the first time in as long as I can remember, I choose to put my physical and mental health above all else. I fought with all my strength to make little John’s dream come true, fighting with five surgeries and so many other difficulties and injuries, and I feel proud that I have reached this far.
It gave me some of the best moments of my life as I was able to play at the highest level I ever dreamed of!
I want to thank God that I managed to play for the team of my heart, PAOK. Like, also, the honor I had to play in the great team of Panathinaikos, Ioannina, Volos, Gornik, De Graafsapp, Panserraikos, Veria, Xanthi and Campaniakos.
A big “thank you” to my teammates, my coaches, the doctors, the therapists, the staff in the locker room and all the fans of each team who stood by my side!
Above all, I thank my family without their support and love I would not have made it, as well as my people who were there in my most difficult moments!!!
One circle closes, another opens.
It was a wonderful, but at the same time difficult journey with many trials for me that gave me much more than I thought!!!
FOOTBALL THANK YOU,
FOOTBALL THANK YOU”
Source: Sport Fm
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