Greek midfielder Grigoris Makos believes his move to Anorthosis Famagusta will kick-start his career as the refugee club prepare for their opening game in Europe next week in the Europa League.
The 26-year-old had been tipped to become a key figure for Greece during his time after impressing for Panionios and AEK Athens between 2004 and 2012.
But his career took a turn for the worse last season when he was sold to 1860 Munich for a reported fee of €465,000.
He made just eleven appearances in the Bundesliga 2 side after falling out of favour and went on to lose his place for Greece.
Makos, who has signed a two-year deal, has become the second high profile Greek to join the club since Traianos Dellas linked up with the then Cypriot champions back in 2008, helping them reach the group stages of the Champions League.
“This is an excellent opportunity for me because my confidence has returned especially with the new coach”, he told the club’s official website. “He [coach Christakis Kassianos] has put his trust in me. I am sure I will return to my best here. I will give my all to help the team in the Europa League and then win my place back in the Greek national team.”
Makos’ career quickly blossomed as a young player. During his time at Panionios, he was made captain before reaching his 21st birthday as he scored five times in 130 appearances.
A move to AEK followed in 2009 where he went on to make 75 appearances before his ill-fated switch to Germany last season. He also featured for Greece at Euro 2012.
“I want to wish my former club all the best,” he said after being asked about his time in Munich. It’s a shame things didn’t work out there. Everything was fine there but I was just missing some trust from the coach. I don’t think it was a coincidence that the coaching staff had continuous problems with the players at the club. I think I too was a victim there.
“I was very enthusiastic when I joined the club but it ended in disappointment. You can’t achieve anything if you don’t put faith in the players. I have to say that the way they treated me was very unprofessional.”
This summer, Anorthosis chairman Savvas Kakos announced a massive shake-up at the club in a bid to curb their soaring debts. Nine players – including key players Ricardo Laborde, Vincent Laban and Juliano Spadacio – have all been released or sold while some of the other new players to come in include Cypriot international Jason Demetriou and Maccabi Tel-Aviv forward Roberto Colautti.
Kassianos’ Anorthosis will begin their Europa League campaign in the second qualifying round on July 18 against likely opponents Gefle of Sweden who won their first leg encounter 3-0 away to Narva Trans of Estonia in the first qualifying round.

Cyprus Weekly