Melbourne City’s youth player, Haris Stamboulidis, is getting a lot more interest from Greece, despite his desire to one day play for the Socceroos.
The Hellenic Football Federation has starting putting out its feelers, hoping to nab talented Greeks from the diaspora to fill their youth teams.
Already playing two matches for Greece’s under-19s in Ukraine this year, Stamboulidis has been shortlisted to play in the European Under-19 Championship in Greece in July.
The former Northcote City and Heidelberg United boy has made no secret that his ambitions are to join up with the Australian national team, but as long as he’s able to play for both, he’ll be keeping his options open.
At 18, Stamboulidis still has a bit of leeway before he has to decide who will win his allegiance.
“Playing for their under-19s is an honour, but of course, playing for Australia would be the ultimate honour,” he told SBS’ The World Game.
“I was born and raised in Australia, so of course my ambition is to play for Australia, which is my country,” he said.
Interestingly, Stamboulidis has been overlooked for Young Socceroos and Joeys selection, but has been working hard at increasing his profile at Melbourne City’s youth squad.
As he tackles university exams at the moment, Stamboulidis is hoping to transfer to US Ivy League college Colombia on a sports scholarship to extend his experience.
Having Manchester City connections thanks to his home team, Stamboulidis could be teeing up a trial for New York City FC.
He was given a tour of the premises while visiting New York City a couple of weeks ago.
Source: SBS World Game