As part of the tribute for tomorrow’s European match against AEKAberdeen brought to the fore a special story from its past by honoring him Jimmy Patika – the only footballer who has connected his name with the two clubs.
THE Greek-Australian winger is considered the first established Australian to sign for a professional European club, when he joined AEK in 1985. With ‘Enosas’ he played in more than 150 matchesleaving a strong imprint on Greek football.
His association with Aberdeen began earlier in 1981 when he featured in seven second-team games, scoring once. Although he never played for the first team, his experience in Scotland was decisive for its development.
“I was in the U20 and we trained with the first team. My coach was Archie Knox“, recalls Patikas. “That’s how I learned what it means to be a professional soccer player. I played with Gordon Strachan, Alex McLeish, Eric Black and Willie Miller. It was a great experience, but I turned back. I couldn’t stand it, I was too young and I had no family with me».
Despite his early departure from Scotland, his links with Aberdeen remained alive. “Over the years, Fergie and the other kids sent me Christmas cards. It’s nice to show the guys I coach today these little moments from one of the greatest coaches of all time“, he says with emotion.
Aberdeen, ahead of the meeting with AEK, did not fail to remember Patika, a footballer who – even if only for a while – wrote his own history on both sides.
Source: Sport Fm
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