Nikos Spyropoulos (; born 10 October 1983) is a Greek former professional footballer who played as a left-back.
Club career
Early career Spyropoulos began his career with PAS Giannina in 2001, where he celebrated a promotion to the Alpha Ethniki during his first season. In three years, he made a total of 33 appearances for the club, all of which in the Beta Ethniki.
Panionios In summer 2004 he signed for Super League Greece side Panionios. Eight months later, and while he was about to be transferred to Panathinaikos along with his teammates Alexandros Tziolis and Evangelos Mantzios, he tested positive for elevated testosterone and was initially suspended for two years. This was later attributed to natural causes, but his transfer was cancelled nevertheless. He returned to action one year later and went on to play for 3.5 years for Panionios, earning the reputation of being one of the best left-backs in the Greek championship.
During the summer transfer period of 2007 and the winter period of 2008, Spyropoulos attracted the interest of clubs such as AEK Athens, Olympiacos and Werder Bremen – however a move did not materialize.
Panathinaikos In January 2008, Spyropoulos moved to Panathinaikos for a reported fee of €2 million Εuros.
After some impressive displays during the second half of 2007–08 season, Spyropoulos has started the 2008–09 season as the main left back for Panathinaikos. Henk Ten Cate, the manager had praised his ability by asking a "Spyropoulos for the right side" too, during the pre-season. Spyropoulos main assets are his speed, stamina and the ability to go forward whenever possible. Due to a clause he was not able to play against his previous team Panionios for two years after his transfer to Panathinaikos.
Chievo Verona Two days before the winter transfer window closed Spyropoulos signed for Serie A side A.C. Chievo Verona. He made two appearances for the club before missing the remainder of the season through injury.
PAOK An announcement on PAOK's official Twitter profile confirmed the acquisition of Spyropoulos. He made his debut with the club in December 2013 in a 2–0 away win against PAS Giannina. On 15 April 2015, his contract was terminated.
International career On 17 November 2007, Spyropoulos made his Greece national team debut in the 5–0 Euro 2008 qualifier defeat of Malta coming on for Vasilis Torosidis in the 46th minute.
Career statistics
Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueCupContinentalOthersTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsPAS Giannina2001–02Football League60–––602002–03Super League Greece00–––002003–04Football League27110––281Total331100000341Panionios2004–05Super League Greece1601030–2002005–06110–––1102006–0724110––2512007–081701040–220Total681307000781Panathinaikos2007–08Super League Greece100–––1002008–0930030100–4302009–1025010100–3602010–112213050203212011–122401090203602012–131701090–270Total128190430401841Chievo2012–13Serie A2000––20PAOK2013–14Super League Greece13020––1502014–15601030–100Total190303000250Career total2503160530403233
International Scores and results list Greece's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Spyropoulos goal.
+ List of international goals scored by Nikos SpyropoulosNo.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition1 3 September 2010 Piraeus, Greece 1–1 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying2 7 September 2012 Riga, Latvia 2–1 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
Honours Panathinaikos Super League Greece: 2009–10 Greek Cup: 2009–10 PAOK Greek Cup runner-up: 2013–14
References
External links