One on One with Gladesville Ryde Magic?s Kiriakos Tohouroglou

The 38-year-old left Sydney for the shores of his parents homeland in Greece as a thirteen year old and never looked back after grabbing the Greek Super League by storm with a number of fine performances which also included a handful of UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup matches.
Tohouroglou was born and bred in Sydney and played for Gladesville prior to departing to Greece.
After finishing up his career in the ancient city of Athens, Tohouroglou felt as though the time was now in moving back to where it all began and giving something back to the club he first started as a junior.
Football NSW Media Manager Mark Stavroulakis caught up with the shotstopper who is set to take the State League One by storm after signing up for the remainder of the season which is not only a major coup for the club, but for the entire competition.
MS: How have you settled back in Sydney after your time overseas?
KT: Very well – It is great to be back with my family and friends. The feedback I received from people in Europe that knew I was coming back to Sydney were envious as those that had visited here say it is one of the best cities in the world.
MS: How did the move to Gladesville Ryde Magic eventuate?
KT: I started with Gladesville United back in 1981 then my family moved back to Greece in 1983. I have always stayed in contact because it is my team I started with and that I love. I wanted to give something back to the club that gave me an opportunity to kick-start my football career.
MS: Explain your time in Greece as you played for two huge clubs such as Olympiakos and PAOK
KT: My time in Greece gave me much enjoyment. I played 6 years with Olympiakos in this time we won 3 Championships and the Greek Cup. We played Champions League against the likes of Real Madrid, Porto, Juventus, Liverpool and Manchester United while the UEFA Cup saw us take on Marseille, Monaco to name a few.
My last 8 years was at PAOK where we won 2 Greek Cups in 3 years. Playing for two of the biggest clubs in Greece was one of the greatest experiences in my life and I hope more Australian up and coming stars can experience what I have.
MS: What would your most memorable moment be whilst your time in Greece?
KT: I would say playing Champions League because you play against the best teams in the world with the best players, supporters and stadiums. To have come up against the likes of stars such as Figo, Zidane, Beckham, Del Piero, Gerrard and Cantona to name a few at grounds like Old Trafford, Santiago Bernab?u, Anfield. I can proudly say most people watched it on TV while I was actually on the field.
MS: What have you outlined as your future prospects now that your back home?
KT: Olympiakos has granted me the rights to set up the Australian Olympiakos Soccer School. I see this as a great opportunity to discover the next new stars that will play at the levels that I have and experience what I have.
MS: Did you keep in touch with people from Australia during your time away?
KT: Yes, I have family and close friends in Australia and they always were in touch especially after watching me play on TV.
MS: How long were you away for?
KT: I was away for 28 years in total. I always wanted to come back as I feel Australia is my home.
MS: What have you thought of the Gladesville Ryde Magic side?
KT: The team looks good with a mix of older experienced players along with much youth that have come through the Gladesville Ryde Magic youth league teams. I have been to all our youth league games since I have been back and I am excited with the talent coming through the ranks. I feel we have a lot to work with and I will endeavour to bring success to Gladesville Ryde Magic.
MS: Do you have aspirations in playing in the A-League
KT: From what I have witnessed of the A-League I think the level is not what it could be. There are some very good players and some players that need to improve if the A-League is to rise up to the standard it should be. The A-League is our highest level of club competition but has a long way to go to match the overseas club competitions. Unfortunately the A-League also suffers from a lack of media coverage and marketing. For me to play in the A-League all I can say is you never know what happens in life – its full of surprises.
Kiriakos makes his highly anticipated debit for his club against Camden Tigers this Saturday evening at 6pm at Ron Dine Reserve.
-By Mark Stavroulakis