By: Peter Katsiris
Panathinaikos FC midfielder Giorgos Karagounis has inked an extension with the Athens-based club which will keep the Greece international with the Trifylli until the summer of 2012. An inspirational member of Henk ten Cate's side, Karagounis is more than just the maestro behind Panathinaikos' attack.
With injury forcing Karagounis to miss out on Greece's preparation ahead of Saturday's FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Switzerland in Basel, Karagounis met with Panathinaikos officials at the club's offices to sign the extension.
A press release on the club's official website, www.pao.gr, confirmed the reports of an extension.
"Panathinaikos FC announce that Giorgos Karagounis has signed an amendment to his contract with the club, adjusting the financial aspect of the agreement and extends the time period of the contract by two years," read the announcement.
"Thus, the captain of Panathinaikos will remain in Trifylli uniform until [the summer of] 2012."
It is reported that the extension will see Karagounis earn up to € 1 million per season, before bonuses.
Karagounis himself was overjoyed by the deal, noting he was happy to remain with Panathinaikos.
"After the current development I will finish my career at Panathinaikos, the team where I started out, and for this I am very happy," Karagounis said in the press release.
"I do not know what will happen in three years from now, but what counts is that I would finish my career with this team. My wish has come true."
Captain of the club, in this his third stint with the club, Karagounis was a key contributor in Panathinaikos' run to the first knockout round of the UEFA Champions League last season. Knocked off by Club Atletico de Madrid in this season's edition of the competition, Karagounis will be looked upon to steer the Greens to success in the UEFA Europa League.
Your views on this story >>
|
