The presentation of Pablo Contreras and Paulo Machado took place on Thursday, August 24, at the Press conference room of the “G. Karaiskakis” stadium and was introduced by Olympiacos Director of Communications, Kostas Karapapas. Next, Vice President Savvas Theodoridis welcomed the two players and offered them their new shirts.
“I have known these boys for a long time and I do believe that they are both great players. I remember Paulo from his days in Saint Etienne, where he used to play alongside Kevin Mirallas. Pablo played for P.A.O.K. and both of them are exceptional footballers.
They should both keep in mind that Olympiacos is constantly after the Greek Championship and Greek Cup and of course, always wants to progress in its European campaigns. I wish they link their names to the team’s 4th star and have good luck and great success with Olympiacos.”
It was then Pablo Contreras’s turn to address the Press: “I am more than happy to have joined Olympiacos. I would like to thank the President who, through Darko Kovacevic, gave me this beautiful opportunity to play for a great team; one of the best clubs in Europe and definitely the greatest one in Greece.”
On his part, Paulo Machado noted: “I would also like to thank the President of Olympiacos and my old friend, Darko Kovacevic, for this opportunity. I am thrilled to be playing for the best squad in Greece and one of Europe’s strongest.”
Following their short statements, the two players took questions from the Press representatives, who attended the presentation.
Paulo Machado
About his decision to join Olympiacos at this time: “The club had shown interest in me a while back and I believe now was the right time for me to come and play here. A great factor in my decision was that Olympiacos participates in the Champions League.”
About his favourite position on the pitch: “I love playing in the middle of the field, as I feel that I can offer more to my team from that position. However, I will do my best no matter where I am asked to play.”
About his contact with Kevin Mirallas, before deciding to join Olympiacos: “I did talk with Kevin and the truth is that he spoke of a great team which convinced me to sign with Olympiacos, since it is something I myself wanted.”
Pablo Contreras
About the positions he plays in, where Olympiacos is traditionally very strong: “It is a great responsibility to have to replace players like Mellberg or Avraam Papadopoulos. Both of them are great; Mellberg is no longer on the team Avraam is injured and will only come back in a few months’ time. I will do my best to perform according to the expectations and help my team out.”
About his decision to return to Greece: “It was hard for me at first do decide to come back. I was part of a great team and was living in my home country, thus it never occurred to me to have to come back. But when Olympiacos asked me to join, I thought of it as a good idea and a chance to play here once again. I hope that my performance will meet the high standards of my new team and repay them their trust in me.”
As soon as the presentation was over, the two players made some pictures on the pitch, holding their new team’s scarf. They then visited the season tickets’ distribution crew and had their picture taken with the fans, who happened to be buying their ticket at that specific moment. They also took the time to pay a visit to the club’s official merchandising store (Red Store), where they also signed autographs and took pictures with the crowd.
ClickHEREfor the relevant photostory.
Click HEREto watch the relevant video.
