«After a weird and disappointing season, we decided to rebuild our team. It wasn’t an easy task for the administration, the coach and the players who had to overcome various obstacles in a short period of time.

«However they all passed with flying colours and I would like to offer my heartfelt and sincere congratulations for their effort, resourcefulness, focus and faith in the club’s values.

«PAOK are once again in the UEFA Europa League group stage and the draw gives us the opportunity to upgrade and advertise the “Double-Headed Eagle’s” image at the heart of Europe and in new destinations.

«In this important and prestigious journey for PAOK, I am glad we started out all together, with our fans on our side and that is my dream for the future: to be a compact family and our fans supporting us behaving impeccably.

«I don’t want just to underline the team’s success and the fans’ behaviour. We have a long way to go anyway. But I feel the need to ask everyone representing our big club to never cease improving, to work harder and respect our principles and values.

«I want the club, the team and all employees to understand that aiming to total success is our only option. My support and guidance will be given freely to everyone sharing the same conviction.

«I can’t wait to accompany the team to famous arenas and new destinations and to feel proud of us being there. I wish that our fans will remain unfazed by possible provocations and will help us upgrade our European profile.

With regards,

Ivan Savvidis