Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo arrived in Thessaloniki yesterday to complete his transfer to Greek side Aris FC.
It would be recalled that Etebo agreed to join Aris Thessalonians last month, inking a three-year deal on September 15, the summer transfer deadline day in Greece.
With the move, Etebo ended his uninspiring four-year stay on the payroll of English Championship club Stoke City.
But after Aris announced the acquisition of Etebo, visa issues stalled the midfield dynamo from travelling to Greece.
But recent reports from Greece revealed that the visa issuance concerns had been resolved, and Etebo had received his visa from the London embassy.
Etebo landed in Greece yesterday straight to Aris FC’s traditional home, the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium to undergo the necessary medical tests, to determine his level of readiness and how quickly he will be able to integrate into manager Alan Pardew’s plans.
Having not played competitive football for several months, Etebo is expected to need a special training program to get him up to speed.
Etebo said : “It may have been a while since my last official game but all this time I worked very hard to be ready and if the coach asks me to, I can also play in the next game against AEK.”
Etebo is looking forward to working with Aris manager Alan Pardew who previously coached English clubs Reading, West Ham United, Southampton, Charlton Athletic, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and West Brom.
He added : “Of course I know the coach as he was my opponent during my time in England. I’m looking forward to this collaboration and I think it’s going to go well.”
When asked about the information he gathered about Aris, Etebo said : “First of all I’m happy to be at Aris. It is a new page in my career and what is important is to join the family, become part of the team and help it in the areas it needs.
“It wasn’t necessary to gather information about Aris because I know who the team is. I’m interested in entering it, giving all my strength and succeeding.”