Cameroonian international Joël Epalle has joined Greek side Panathinaikos FC. The 25-year-old midfield player has signed a four-year deal with his new club having been released by his previous side, Aris Thessaloniki FC. Epalle, who missed Panathinaikos’s first pre-season training session on Thursday as he was in Lyon for the memorial service of former international team-mate Marc-Vivien Foé, becomes the third foreign player to join last season’s Alpha Ethniki runners-up, following Silvio Maric and Raimondas Zutautas.
‘Rightful champions’
« I am aware of the trust bestowed in me and I will do my best to help restore the team to their rightful position as Greek champions, » Epalle said. The Athens club have gained automatic qualification for the group stage of next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Return home
Panathinaikos have also signed Dimitris Papadopoulos from English first division side Burnley FC for an undisclosed fee. The 21-year-old striker joined Burnley two years ago from Akratitos FC but struggled to settle in England, scoring three goals in 39 games.
