Greek Ace Wants To Stay

By Mark Heys
July 27 2005

Greek midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos has confirmed that he would like to stay with Bolton Wanderers beyond the expiry of his current contract.

The Euro 2004 winner had been linked with a move to Champions League winners Liverpool earlier on this summer following an excellent end to the previous campaign, but now the 31-year old is ready to extend his two-year stay at the Reebok Stadium.

Stelios told the club's official website that he hopes to finalise things when the Trotters come back from their tour of the Far-East later on this week.

"It is flattering to be linked with a big club (Liverpool). I am committed to Bolton Wanderers. I have one year left on my contract and I am currently negotiating a new deal which will see me commit for quite some time.

"Talks are progressing well and I hope to conclude things when I get back from Japan".

The former Olympiakos player scored eight goals in all competitions last season, with seven of those coming after Christmas when the Wanderers turned around their woeful winter run.