Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis visited his first-ever club in professional football after winning the Scottish Premiership title this season.
The Hoops squad has now broken up for their summer break as they look to decompress after a hectic season that delivered double success.
But whilst the likes of Jota, Carl Starfelt, and other Celtic stars have been lapping it up in Ibiza, Giakoumakis was one of the players who simply returned home to Heraklion.
And the player didn’t forget his roots either as he visited Greek club P.O Atsalenio. That’s where Giakoumakis originally made his breakthrough before moving on to Platanias and then AEK Athens.
Greek outlet Prisma News states that the Celtic striker took in the Scouting Cup organised by the third-tier club and spoke to the children involved in the camp. He then happily took pictures with them which were published on Prisma News’ website.
It’s a classy gesture from the Hoops star and shows real humility despite all he’s achieved since leaving the club in 2012.
Giorgos Giakoumakis visits former club after heroic Celtic title win
Brilliant. This is exactly the kind of trait you want in a Celtic player. As good as they are on the field, you want them to have a bit of humility and class off of it. Giakoumakis highlights those traits and it’s fantastic to see.
No doubt a real treat for the Crete-based youngsters involved in the competition too. Not only are they seeing one of their national team stars rock up, but also a UEFA Champions League player.
Giakoumakis’ stock has also grown at Celtic Park during his time with the club. Had it not been for the Hoops signing him from VVV-Venlo, you do question whether he would’ve managed to receive international recognition from Gus Poyet.
The club has been just as big for Giakoumakis as he has been for the club. But he’ll know that, and has already expressed how grateful he is to be playing at Parkhead throughout his debut campaign.
Giakoumakis has already had to show a series of positive mental traits this season. Resilience and character were essential for him in combatting a difficult first half of the season. It only took him 4 months to win over those doubters with a series of top displays.
Now, fingers crossed he comes back fitter and stronger. If he was able to become the joint top scorer in the Premiership after only half a season, goodness knows what he could achieve with a full one.
In other news, Giorgos Giakoumakis states Giorgios Samaras “really happy” with Celtic title win
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