He's played in some the best leagues in the world and Greek legend Sotirios Kyrgiakos says he's seen enough from the A-League to know it's on the right track.
He's played in some the best leagues in the world and Greek legend Sotirios Kyrgiakos says he's seen enough from the Hyundai A-League to know it's on the right track.
Kyrgiakos completed his two-game deal with the NSW Premier League club Sydney Olympic on Sunday night, with Olympic going down to St George 2-0 at a packed Belmore Sports Ground.
While the club lost both games the former Greek international played, the results have been the only downside during his time Down Under.
The 34-year-old has not only attracted big crowds in both games he played, he has also undertaken some coaching with the club's youth side's over the course of his three week stay.
"It's been a fantastic experience. Everyone at the club has been fantastic to deal with and made me feel like part of the family," Kyrgiakos told www.footballaustralia.com.au.
"I have spent a lot of time with the clubs junior teams and players and to be able to pass on some of my experience to these kids is something I enjoyed.
"Unfortunately we didn't get the three points [on Sunday] but I've had a great experience in Australia."
Part of the reason for Kyrgiakos' Australian sojourn was to see if he could garner any interest from the 10 Hyundai A-League clubs but it remains unclear if we'll see him running around in the competition next season. Regardless, the former Liverpool, Sunderland, Rangers, Panathanaikos and Wolfsburg defender is keen to continue his professional career for at least a couple more years.
Asked if he had any plans to remain in Australia and the A-League, Kyrgiakos said: "The truth is that I came here to play for Sydney Olympic as a guest player for two games.
"What the future holds I cannot answer at this moment. I haven't spoken with any (A-League) clubs.
"I am currently in great physical condition and my body feels as though I can have another one or two more good years left in me."
Kyrgiakos, who was capped 61-times by Greece, has kept a close eye on the A-League since he's been in Sydney and admits he's impressed with the potential of the competition.
"I have seen some games while I have been here both in the A-League and Asian Champions League," Kyrgiakos said.
"The standard is improving with the additions of good marquee players and this helps the league and makes it well known throughout the world.
"There is still plenty of hard work ahead for Australian football to reach the top levels of the European leagues and I'm sure they will get there from what I am seeing."