AEK Athens released a video featuring club owner Marios Iliopoulos and defender Stavros Pilios after extending the 25-year-old left back's contract until the summer of 2030.
Iliopoulos said Pilios had shown great effort recently and that the new deal was a response to those who doubted him, including some journalists in the field. He said Pilios earned his place in the starting eleven through hard work and that this was why the club extended his contract for four more years.
Iliopoulos on backing Pilios
Iliopoulos said he was the one who supported and believed in Pilios from the very first moment, and that the new contract was his answer to those who had made comments about the player, whether fair or not. He said the club builds processes to support the squad like a family and stay united, adding he would scold Pilios if he was not united with teammates in the locker room.
Pilios responds
Pilios said staying at AEK was his priority and a great joy for him. He said many had doubted him but that he still had a lot to show, and that he was very happy to continue at the club because he believes he still has much more to give.
Pilios thanked Iliopoulos personally for his support, as well as the coach and his teammates who stand by him every day.
Iliopoulos closed by saying the coach had also supported Pilios, and that Pilios had embraced AEK's mentality, following the winner's path through hard work to become a winner himself. He wished him continued success.
