Sunday’s hat-trick hero Giorgos Giakoumakis has revealed that Giorgios Samaras and Vasilis Barkas – as well as Ange Postecoglou – sold him on a move to Celtic.
Giakoumakis struggled early on in his Celtic career, unable to find fitness after a summer disrupted by injury. The former VVV Venlo man made his first real impression with a trademark first-time finish against St Johnstone, but fitness woes again impeded him.
In 2022, though, he’s exploded into life. Most notably, his trio of goals against Dundee helped Celtic solidify their lead at the top of the table. A perfect hat-trick, with goals from either foot and his head, have made him the talk of the Hoops faithful this week.
And, in a well-timed Q+A with the official Celtic Twitter account, he revealed that it was Barkas and Samaras who essentially told him what he already knew: he had to make the move. That’s despite Barkas struggling in his maiden campaign with the club, and Samaras having long left.
Giakoumakis said [Celtic FC]: “I called Barkas, we were teammates in Athens, and I also called Samaras. Samaras and Barkas explained how big the club is and how great the fans are. The decision was already easy for me but they had great words to say.”
On adjusting to life in Scotland, he added: “Since my first day it really has felt like home and really comfortable for me. It’s quite similar to Greece with the beautiful nature.”
Giorgos Giakoumakis seems at home at Celtic, after Samaras and Barkas endorsements
You’d forgive Vasilis Barkas for telling big Giak to give the Hoops a bye, after his frustrating first season with Celtic. Life has seemed very difficult for the Greek goalie ever since moving from AEK Athens, moving as he did in the height of a pandemic, and unable to play in front of supporters.
Yet, he seemed to put his weight behind Giakoumakis’ plans. That says something for his character, it must be noted.
Samaras, however, remains a Celtic cult hero. He scored many an important goal for the Bhoys, after a difficult spell in England with Manchester City. He seemed to adapt well to life in Glasgow, as has Giakoumakis after him. The connection Samaras had with the fans really was special, and our newest Greek striker seems keen to take up that mantle.
As for comparing the landscapes of Greece to Scotland, well, we can’t comment.
But after a tricky first six months in Glasgow, Giakoumakis has blossomed into life at Celtic. Whether he can have the impact Samaras had is yet to be seen, but he’s making a great go at it.
What do we call him, though? Giorgos? GG?
“As for a nickname, my teammates call me Giako”, the striker says.
Read more: Celtic make interesting pre-match decision ahead of Bodo/Glimt clash
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