Serbian midfielder Ognjen Ugresic has completed a transfer to Greek club PAOK from Partizan Belgrade after the two sides reached an agreement. The 20-year-old player gave his first comments on the official PAOK media channel following the announcement of his move to Thessaloniki.
Ugresic said he was delighted to join PAOK, describing it as a pleasure to become part of a major club. He stated that moving to the Greek side had been his primary wish and expressed eagerness to experience playing at the team's stadium in front of the local supporters.
PAOK FC is based in Thessaloniki and competes in the Super League Greece, the top tier of Greek football. The club plays its home matches at Toumba Stadium, which is widely recognized for its passionate home atmosphere.
Addressing the strong ties between PAOK and Partizan Belgrade, Ugresic described the two teams as a black-and-white family. He noted that they are brother clubs whose supporter bases share a long-standing fraternal bond.
The midfielder explained that he had received alternative options from other teams during the transfer window. However, he chose PAOK because of his preference for the club's black and white colors, its stadium environment, and the dedication of its fans.
Familiar faces in Thessaloniki
Ugresic highlighted his existing connections with current members of the PAOK squad. He pointed to Serbian winger Andrija Zivkovic, explaining that the pair had previously shared the pitch for the national team. Ugresic recalled watching Zivkovic from the stadium stands as a child when Zivkovic played for Partizan Belgrade.
He also recognized forward Cherif Ndiaye, noting that they had faced each other as opponents during Ndiaye's tenure with Belgrade rivals Red Star. Red Star Belgrade and Partizan contest the Eternal Derby, one of the most intense rivalries in Southeastern European football.
Playing style and comparisons
Outlining his attributes on the field, Ugresic stated that his preferred role is as an attacking midfielder. He explained that his strengths include attacking spaces between opposition lines, running extensively, and covering up to 60 meters of the pitch during matches.
Regarding the nickname describing him as the Serbian Jude Bellingham, Ugresic suggested the comparison stems from a shared playing style. He described himself as a box-to-box midfielder capable of operating on both sides of the field, defending, scoring goals, and maintaining aggressive play.
Ugresic identified Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo as his primary football idol, while naming Real Madrid and England midfielder Bellingham as his main reference point among players in his position.
Domestic ambitions with PAOK
Looking forward to his initial season in Greek football, Ugresic outlined clear competitive targets for the club. He stated that the team aims to win both the Super League Greece title and the Greek Football Cup.
On an individual level, the midfielder said his immediate goal is to adapt to life in Greece and settle quickly at PAOK. He expressed a desire to contribute with goals and assists while committing to give maximum effort for his new club.
