On July 2016, after trying his luck at various clubs, Jose Crespo decided to accept a proposal to join the Double-headed Eagle. PAOK gave Aston Villa what now seems like a negligible amount based on what the player contributed to the English club, and the Andalusian defender became a resident of Thessaloniki.

The rest is is history. At PAOK, Crespo finds his second home after Sevilla, and finally the suitcases which had accompanied him on his annual travels were put in storage, while he became known as The Guarantee.

HIs record reads 165 games, six goals, seven assists, one unbeaten Greek league title and three Greek Cups. Countless memorable moments, both big and small, joy, sorrow, successes, failures, triumphs, and difficulties.

Crespo is a player who can always be counted on, especially when times are tough. A real leader, a calm and composed force in the backline, a personality with just the right amount of craziness, but also seriousness in the dressing room. These are the elements that put him among the club’s top five leaders.

And now the Spanish stopper will remain at the Toumba until at least 2022.