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Official: Parma sign Sotiris Ninis from Panathinaikos
Jul 17, 2012 1:20:00 PM
The Greece international vows to repay the Gialloblu for seeing out their interest in him, despite his long-term injury, as he was presented to the press on Monday
Parma technical director Antonello Preiti has declared himself delighted to have completed the signing of Sotiris Ninis on a free transfer from Panathinaikos.The attacking midfielder, who represented Greece at Euro 2012, was officially unveiled to the media on Monday after his contract with the Greek giants expired, and the Gialloblu executive could not hide his enthusiasm about the club's latest capture.
"I introduce willingly because I am fond of the boy, moreover, we have come to this purchase in very difficult times. We followed him on a number of occasions, and we had been following him for a while too," Prieti told reporters.
"We really wanted him, he is an idol in Greek football, an extraordinary player and played over 100 games in the Greek league.
"With Ninis we have found an important project and I'm sure the good things he did in Greece he can replicate with us."
Ninis then revealed that his desire to join Parma was brought about by the side's interest, despite spending six months of last season on the sidelines with a knee ligament injury.
"I wanted Parma with all my might because they believed in me after my injury. And it's important to feel that confidence, and to be part of an important club," said Ninis.
"I want to repay them by giving my best on the field. For the fans, I can promise you that, like I can for the rest of the group.
"It is a high level [of football] and Serie A is certainly very difficult.
The 22-year-old has earned a glowing reputation in his native country and cited the players from which he draws his inspiration: "[Lionel] Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and in particular [Andres] Iniesta who I think is a great player. And also [Andrea] Pirlo."
Ninis, who can also play on the right side of midfield, is likely to act as a direct replacement for new Juventus forward Sebastian Giovinco.
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