Sydney FC midfielder Terry Antonis has signed for Greek Super League club PAOK FC after agreeing a three year deal with the Greek giants.
The 21 year old flew to Europe earlier this week to complete a medical and sign personal terms in the club’s home city of Thessaloniki.
“I’d like to thank Sydney FC for their help and support in my development over the last five years and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity they have given me,” he said.
“I’m sad to be leaving such a great club who have been like a family to me as I have grown up and they will always hold a special place in my heart.
“I would to thank them for taking me in as a 16 year old boy and giving me a chance to show my passion for football and believing in me to become the player that I am today.
“I will continue to support the club and believe they will go on to have a fantastic season with the talent they have in the squad.
“In particular I would like to thank the club, the coaching staff, the players and the fans for all the support they have given me over the years and the memories that I will never forget.
“I wish them well as I embark on a new challenge.”
Sydney FC Head Coach Graham Arnold thanked Antonis for his time at the Sky Blues and wished the Socceroos midfielder well.
“Terry has been a great servant to the club and is a great kid with lots of potential. This is a very good opportunity for him and we couldn’t stand in his way.
“He has always been keen to make the step overseas and I’ve no doubt he’ll go on to have a long career in Europe, and with the Australian national teams.”
Arnold also recognised the role Sydney FC had played in Antonis’ career to date, having also built a reputation himself for producing Socceroos stars.
“I’m proud of the fact he is another youngster this club has helped to develop and he is another example of the importance Sydney FC and I put into youth development.
“I think if there are any young players who are wishing to further their careers, then they’ve got a great chance if they come to Sydney FC.
“I’ll always look to give youngsters a go and I’m looking forward to producing a lot more young Australian footballers here at Sydney FC.”
PAOK FC finished third in the Greek top flight last season behind Champions Olympiacos and Panathinaikos, and will begin their challenge in this season’s Europa League tomorrow.
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