Thursday, 14th November, 2013
Olympiacos have set out their stall over in-demand striker Kostas Mitroglou, explaining they are aiming to keep hold of the prolific goalscorer for as long as possible.
Mitroglou has grabbed attention in the Champions League this season as Olympiacos have put themselves firmly in the running to reach the knockout round.
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Nicknamed "Mitrogoal" by the Olympiacos' faithful, the 25-year-old's exploits have led to Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Inter all sending scouts to check on his progress.
Olympiacos are aware that they may field bids for Mitroglou in January, but are hoping to see off suitors for as long as possible.
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"He is vindicating himself and also his talent. He enjoys what he does, he enjoys playing and scoring goals", Olympiacos sporting director Pierre Issa was quoted as saying by Sport24.
"He is paying back our trust. We have had an impact with Mitroglou, this is normal.
"We want to keep him at our club for as long as possible."
However, Mitroglou is believed to have a clause in his contract set at the €8m mark and which is valid until the summer of 2016. But Issa is not concerning himself with that.
"What concerns us now is that he feels happy playing at Olympiacos and we are very happy to have him. What counts is the relationship we have with him. We cannot have this debate now about the clause."
And Issa stressed that he sees no way for Mitroglou to depart in January.
"The truth is that until the summer at least Mitroglou will remain here with us at Olympiacos. Hopefully for longer.
"There is no way to do anything in January, as with any other player."
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