Angelos Haristeas Football player, striker Date of Birth: 09.02.1980 Country: Greece

Biography of Angelos Haristeas

Angelos Haristeas is a Greek footballer who gained recognition in European football during the Euro 2004 in Portugal. Despite playing for Werder Bremen for several years and representing the Greek national team, Haristeas became well-known after his impressive performances in the tournament, where he scored crucial goals against teams like Russia and Ukraine.

Before Euro 2004, the Greek national team was not highly regarded, even in countries like Ukraine. The team was considered unfamiliar and insignificant. However, Haristeas' move to Werder Bremen in 2002, for a record transfer fee in the club's history, caught attention. Recommended by the legendary Otto Rehhagel, Haristeas quickly became an integral part of the team, continuing the tradition of having a current European champion in the squad.

Haristeas is a beloved figure in Bremen, with his name on the back of Werder Bremen jerseys ranking third among fans, only behind Ailton and Miku. Despite scoring only nine goals in his first season and experiencing sporadic playing time in his second, Haristeas remains a fan favorite. He jokes that the Greek dance song played after his goals, the Sirtaki, creates positive associations for German tourists who vacation in Greece.

Interestingly, Haristeas quickly learned the German language, impressing his teammates and fans. He attributes his language skills to frequent interactions with his partners and supporters.

Aside from football, Haristeas had a passion for music. He started studying music at the age of nine and even became a professional musician, performing in an ensemble in his hometown of Serres. He played the bouzouki, a Greek musical instrument similar to a lute, and received a monthly salary for his performances. However, he eventually chose football over music and went on to achieve great success.

During Euro 2004, Haristeas showcased his talent as a versatile player, playing multiple positions and excelling as a forward, right midfielder, and even a right defender. He scored crucial goals against France and Portugal, displaying his exceptional heading ability. After the tournament, there were rumors of interest from AS Roma, but the steep transfer fee demanded by Werder Bremen made the deal difficult.

In his two years at Werder Bremen, Haristeas had a stable spot in the starting lineup until an injury sidelined him. However, he performed well as a substitute and proved himself when given the opportunity. Haristeas is known for his diverse skill set, which includes not only football and music but also songwriting. He often brought his bouzouki to off-field gatherings and entertained his teammates and fans.

Overall, Angelos Haristeas is a talented and beloved figure in Greek and European football, known for his contributions to the success of the Greek national team in Euro 2004 and his time at Werder Bremen.