The self-denial of Ioannidis is an entire season of Trefoil

Team character isn’t just about great performance, victories or goals. shaped by mrI am the characters every living being carries.

And Panathinaikos has been fortunate in the past two years to have players who have always put “we”, not just above “me”, but many times above their own health.

Thousands of Panathinaikos fans on Sunday night (19/3) shouted triple “No, hello” at a great triple chance missed by Daniel Mancini, Fotis Ioannidis and Adem Tserin in the 46th minute of the match against AEK at the OPAP Arena in. system (with the latter’s place reminiscent of Vlaović’s place at the Camp Nou in 2002).

Many probably complained more about the second attempt, made by Ioannidis, who dominated and executed, but was knocked out by Athanasiades, since he had time to “fix” the ball in front of him to execute it. legal.

However, few people know that the 23-year-old striker under normal circumstances should not be at this particular stage, but possibly either on the bench or out of action. Because the self-sacrifice he showed to attend this crucial match for Panathinaikos was truly shocking and touching.

He was wounded in the leg from Peristeri

Ioannidis has been suffering from a serious leg injury since the evening of March 12 and the last game of the regular season.

In fact, he took a very strong kick to the stick, causing swelling. In fact, this swelling turned into a large hematoma, which hurt him very much. very much.

More or less, he had to do 5 injections during the week and go more conservatively for 2-3 training sessions in order to fit into his game plan against AEK.

And even then, there was no scenario on the horizon for the absence of Andraz Sporar, who, although he entered more intense training last Friday (3/17), the next day (3/18) again felt uncomfortable in his close and was done. exclude him from the task.

Ioannidis played with the syringe

the Ionides He was gritting his teeth, playing with a syringe and in the match with AEK and hurting badly. He ran countless times, pressed as hard as he could, participated in all (unpleasant and unpleasant) functions of attack, missed the opportunity of the 46th minute and another stage shortly after when Mitoglu caught him with a decisive tackle at the time. to implement.

But he was there. Someone else in his position may not risk at all and not play for a minute. But he himself had the character and character to take the pain and be part of one of the most decisive matches of the season. And that says a lot about his character, but also about the selflessness he displayed.

In a situation that shows the climate and mentality of this version of Panathinaikos who – along with his coach – has taught him to work in the spirit of “never give up”!