Blackburn-bound John still eyes Greece call-up
George John has refuted reports he is turning his back on the Greek national team, with his agent telling Kathimerini English Edition on August 23 that the FC Dallas defender is always interested in the Greek side, while also being extremely attracted to plying his trade in the Super League, too.
The 24-year-old Greek-American player is in Athens and has just had his Greek ID issued, which will secure him an automatic work permit for the Premier League, following a transfer proposal of 1.4 million euros by Blackburn Rovers last week.
John was quick to deny reports that he was only interested in the US national team. His agent, Ted Philipakos, stressed to Kathimerini English Edition that «George has a tremendous respect for the Greek national team, but wishes to keep his options open like any player of dual nationality.»
John realizes that Greece coach Fernando Santos will probably not be trying out any new players for his squad now that important games are looming (Greece is facing Israel away on September 2 before heading for Latvia four days later), but «before he makes a final decision he needs to have a good taste of both the Greek and the US national team,» his agent added.
The Dallas star’s move to Blackburn may be completed within the next 48 to 72 hours, Philipakos stated, as Blackburn has reached an agreement in principle with Dallas and the MLS, with personal terms still left to be discussed with the player.
Nevertheless, John, who was invited by Santos to train with Greece in June before the friendly with Ecuador in New York, is also interested in playing for a Greek club. His agent suggested that two Super League sides have already had exploratory talks regarding a possible transfer. However, neither could match the offer tabled by Blackburn.
“George is extremely attracted to playing in Greece; he has a very serious interest in it,» Philipakos confirmed.
