Anthony Martial Receives Hero’s Welcome in Greece After Joining AEK Athens on Free Transfer
Anthony Martial was greeted like a hero by AEK Athens fans, who lit flares to celebrate his surprising free transfer to the Greek club. The former Manchester United forward has now joined AEK after leaving Old Trafford earlier this summer.
Martial’s departure from United came as his contract expired, allowing him to leave the club as a free agent. His new chapter with AEK Athens adds to an already impressive summer of signings for the ambitious Greek side.
AEK has been busy in the transfer market, securing former Premier League talents Erik Lamela, Roberto Pereyra, and Thomas Strakosha on free transfers. They were also close to signing David Datro Fofana from Chelsea, but negotiations fell through at the last moment.
Despite missing out on Fofana, AEK hit the mark by securing Martial’s signature after his proposed move to Brazilian giants Flamengo collapsed. The former Sevilla loanee arrived in the Greek capital last night, having signed his new contract, and was greeted with a raucous reception.
AEK supporters filled the airport, lighting flares and chanting Martial’s name as he stepped off the plane. The passionate welcome marks the beginning of a new journey for the Frenchman, who will look to revive his career in the Greek Super League.
Martial joined Manchester United in 2015 from Monaco for a fee that could rise to £58 million, setting a transfer record for a teenager at the time. He made an instant impact, scoring 17 goals in 49 appearances during his debut season. However, that would end up being his highest number of appearances in a single campaign at United.
Over the years, Martial struggled with various injuries and inconsistent form. By the end of his time at United, he had managed to score just 90 goals in 317 games. Now, he aims for a fresh start with AEK Athens, where fans are clearly eager to see what he can bring to their squad.
Anthony Martial is looking for a fresh start with AEK Athens, who currently sit at the top of the Greek Super League after four matches. The club finished as runners-up to PAOK last season and is now determined to reclaim the title they last won in 2023.
Despite Martial’s new chapter in Greece, former Arsenal and Chelsea star Emmanuel Petit has raised doubts about whether the French forward still possesses the “desire” to continue his career.
Petit expressed his concerns, saying: “I can’t remember the last time Martial was truly a proper footballer on the pitch, delivering good performances. Maybe he should ask himself this question: Does he have the desire to keep going with his career? Because it seems that the last few years have been very difficult for him both on and off the pitch.”
He added, “It’s challenging to have a positive mindset every morning when you arrive at the training ground, especially when you are dealing with problems in your personal life, issues in the dressing room, and troubles everywhere.
“If I were Anthony Martial, I would look in the mirror and ask myself: Do I still want to be a professional footballer?”
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