Koke’s Greek Dream

With the likes of David Villa and Fernando Torres occupying the striker roles with the Spanish national team, Sergio Koke has shifted his international sights to the country of which he now resides: Greece. The Aris FC striker has voiced his intentions to one day play for the Greek national team.

Not the most well known name in football, Koke’s performance since leaving Olympique de Marseille to join Aris has given the Spaniard a hero-like reputation in Thessaloniki. With 20 goals deposited thus far for ‘O Theos tou Polemou’, the 25-year-old is now keen to transfer his success to the international level.

“My case is similar to that of Nacho Novo in Scotland,” explained Koke.

“That’s how it is: when you can’t play for the national team of your country, it’s good to play for the country that has adopted you.”

Accepted by Aris’ loyal supporters, the Spaniard hopes continuous success for him and his club will propel him to earn nomination with the national team. But in the end, the decision won’t be left up to Koke. With citizenship still a concern, the earliest the Spaniard would break the international barrier would be in two years time.

“It is difficult to play for Spain because of the team’s high standards,” Koke said.

“The team is youthful and solid throughout and when you play outside of Spain, it becomes difficult. I’m also a striker, a position that Villa and Torres play in.”

“If you can’t play for your country and you want to live the experience of international football, the World Cup, why not do it for the people who have given you everything - in my case, the Greeks.

Despite his success with Aris, selection will be left for the Greece national team to decide upon. In this case Otto Rehhagel will have to make the call, but the German tactician is known to be unpredictable at times.

“If it’s possible, I want to play. Greece isn’t my country but it is close to it.”