Heidelberg United have pulled off what is arguably the biggest coup in the NPL Victoria era, signing current Greek legend Kostas Katsouranis on a one-game guest contract for their FFA Cup game against Melbourne City.
The 36-year-old was a member of Greece’s memorable Euro 2004 triumph, as well as appearing in both their 2010 and 2014 World Cup squads – the latter of which he captained in Georgios Karagounis’ absence in the starting line-up.
Katsouranis currently sits on 116 appearances for the national team, scoring 10 goals, and is the third most capped player in Greek history.
The versatile midfielder started his career at former Superleague club Panachaiki FC before making a move to powerhouse AEK Athens after six seasons and 123 league appearances. He forged his reputation as a combative, all-rounded defensive midfielder, and displayed his keen eye for goal with 29 goals in 110 games for the Dikefalos Aetos.
His form saw him secure a move to Portugese giants Benfica alongside international teammate Karagounis – who played alongside each other for two seasons. Katsouranis won their player of the year award in 2009, captaining the side in that same year before moving home back to Greece.
He had spells at childhood club Panathanaikos and PAOK between 2009-2014, notching up a further 61 Superleague appearances before making the move to the subcontinent to play in the Indian Super League with FC Pune.
Playing alongside high-profile names such as David Trezuget and Jermaine Pennant, Katsouranis finished top scorer in his season with the club, before signing a short term contract with Atromitos FC for the remainder of the 2014/15 Superleague season.
Even at the age of 35, the veteran impressed heavily in his short stint with the club, but was ultimately released at season’s end and has been searching for a club since.
The move to Heidelberg gives Katsouranis the opportunity to showcase his ability once more as he continues to harbour ambitions of making it into Greece’s Euro 2016 squad, while for Heidelberg the high-profile signing will only further enhance the bourgeoning crowd expected to pile in against Melbourne City.
It’s not yet known whether coach George Katsakis plans on using the veteran in a more attacking role or whether he’ll add steel further back on the pitch.
Either way, expect to see Olympic Village awash with a sea of blue and the famous number 21.