PAOK International Players (National Teams)

[paokarag4]

I doubt it, there are and always have been rumours that he is extremely religious and a bit of a different character to other footballers. Doesn't strike me as someone who is overly driven to be a major success or push himself to play abroad.

I think he is comfortable playing for us and the more the years go on, the more I believe he will never leave PAOK or Greece. While that is great for us as PAOK fans, it will probably stunt his growth as a footballer and he will probably never reach his true potential. What we have now is still a brilliant player who is a barometer for our team and someone who can turn a match in a matter of moments. 

Quality player, not overly motivated. Still an interesting decision to pull the pin on the Ethniki, especially at only 23 with opportunities there to qualify for major tournaments and be an integral part of those teams. 

[Brklyngrk]

I believe what he said was for the international window in September, not the team.

[paokarag4]

I doubt he would bother making an announcement if it was just for the September matches? He did say for the "upcoming" matches but wasn't specific. 

He maybe back at some stage, he also didn't say this was permanent but I would be surprised if he is suddenly available again in November. 

[pash]

Guy's gonna end up streaming fortnite on YouTube 

[PaokCT]

Maybe my cohost on PAOKTALK. But in all seriousness, dude is a weirdo. It’s better for PAOK but for his career and Country, whatever

[pash]

Greek players are mentally (and physically) weak. Just sayin

[Brklyngrk]

More context, his partner is giving birth in September. That is why he doesn't want to be called up.

[Blackhawk]

8 hours ago, Dutch Eagle said:

Konstantelias has retired as international player for Greece (for this moment). Are his kids the real reason? 

It's only a temporary retirement according to the announcement. It is something EPO was informed about 2 months ago and they could not change his mind.

Not sure if the real reason is his kid or the one he is expecting. Could be something concerning their health, which is not really any of our business. Selected Greek social media (some with anti-PAOK bias) are picking up on his religious beliefs (Jehovah Witness) claiming that that is the reason for his decision.

However, if I was Konstantelias and I was constantly pushed aside so Bakasetas could start, I would also think twice about my role on the national team. Interesting fact: Konstantelias played 18 game on the NT. He was a starter in only 5 of them, and he never played the full 90 minutes in any of the games.

[pash]

He's a Jehovah's Witness?!

[Blackhawk]

Apparently so. Not that it's any of our business. Also, I really doubt that this is the reason for his decision. It hasn't been an issue preventing him from playing on the NT for the previous 3 years.