On 13 August, as AEK was drawn against Sevilla in the Champions League third qualifying round, he stated: "The tie (vs Sevilla) will be intensely emotional for me", adding "I will return to a city I love very dearly."
On 13 August, as AEK faced off against Sevilla in the Champions League third qualifying round, he stated: "This match (vs Sevilla) will be intensely emotional for me", adding "I will return to a city I hold very close to my heart."