Sotirios Kyrgiakos: Leaving AEK Athens Was Hard, But Signing For Liverpool Is An Honour

Sotirios Kyrgiakos has signed a two-year contract with Liverpool, moving from AEK Athens for a fee of around €3 million.

The Greek international has spoken of the hard personal decision to leave his homeland and a club he clearly enjoyed a good relationship with, but insists that there can be only one answer when the Reds come calling.

Goal.com were on hand to hear the defender talk about his whirlwind move to Merseyside.

"I am very happy," new No.16 Kyrgiakos said. "When you are about to join a club like Liverpool, you need no convincing at all.

"It's an honour to join such a great club and I want to show how good Greek players are.

"Everybody knows I am good at heading the ball and aggressive.

"I didn't get a chance to speak to all my [new] team-mates, but I'm sure they will help me."

He was keen to address the AEK faithful, though. They, like the Rangers and Eintracht Frankfurt fans before them in recent years, had taken a shine to the long-haired stopper.

"I would like to thank them for their support and will have them in my heart always," he said.

"I will always have them dear to my heart, but when a club like Liverpool comes in for you it's too much of an opportunity to turn down.

"Now, I hope to give my all for Liverpool."

Meanwhile, Liverpool gaffer Rafael Benitez continues to talk up his surprise signing.

"He is the kind of player we needed: strong and aggressive," the boss reiterated.

"Everyone knows about his experience and our fans will be pleased.

"If he works hard, the fans will be behind him."

Mohammed Bhana, Goal.com