It’s one of those relationships that seems karmic. Moving from Benfica, the Serbian winger wanted to go somewhere where he could feel more at home, more wanted, and a platform where he could show his true value.

And everything seemed to happen so quickly. Zivkovic immediately adapted in Greece, became one of the team’s major protagonists, and also established himself as one of the best wingers in the league.

PAOK bet their chips on the Serb when few believed in him, but the Thessaloniki club was absolutely vidicated in the decision to bring him to PAOK. Zile was impressive in his first season. He played 48 times, scored 14 goals, and also contributed eight assists. It was this form that saw him earn a recall to the Serbian national team, and celebrate the conquest of the Greek Cup.

His first contract with PAOK had an expiration date in the summer of 2022 and PAOK knew that the club should not hesitate because there would be many suitors for his services. And so the club have quickly made sure to wrap up the issue and keep the Serb in Thessaloniki until June 2024.