×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Friday
16
Jan 2026
weather symbol
Athens 13°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> Sports

Fortounis on the possibility of returning to the National Team: I’ve spoken with Mr. Jovanović, never say never

Kostas Fortounis spoke about his lifelong connection with the Greek National Team and his respect for the national coach

Newsroom December 19 06:30

In an interview with Nova, Kostas Fortounis discussed, among other things, the possibility of returning to the National Team. The international attacking midfielder revealed that he has had several conversations with the national coach, Ivan Jovanović.

As Fortounis explained, Mr. Jovanović has given him time to think about his return, leaving the decision entirely up to him and encouraging him to reach out when and if he feels ready.

“With the National Team, it’s as it’s always been. I love it; I’ve played there for so many years. From a young age, I was part of it, and I’m blessed to have had great teammates. I’m glad to see that the National Team is currently at a very good level, with a very good coach, and I’m happy to see it in this position,” said the player from Trikala.

>Related articles

Elina Tzengko: “When I compete for the Greek National Team, the pressure is greater — everyone expects a medal”

Greek fans head to Latvia to support the National Team – Chants even inside the plane – See video

Greece–Denmark: “We support our National Team with passion – no lasers, no flares”

When asked if he would consider returning to the squad, he said: “For me, the chapter of the National Team is very difficult. I made a decision back then, and I’ve supported it and stood by it. A lot has changed since then—the coach has changed, many things within the team have changed. I’ve had many discussions with Mr. Jovanović,” he noted.

He added: “He’s a very good coach, a remarkable person, and his work speaks for itself. Wherever he’s been, his teams have played good football. Never say never, but right now, I’m not at that stage.”

He concluded by saying: “I’ve spoken with him many times. We’ve discussed many topics related to us, primarily football matters, and especially how much he wants me to be part of the team. My response was not easy. I didn’t give him a definitive answer—neither yes nor no. So, I left it open, and Mr. Jovanović left it up to me to decide and call him whenever I want.”

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#Fortounis#Ivan Jovanović#Kostas Fortounis#national team
> More Sports

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

Roads open all over the country – Farmers remain on blockades

January 16, 2026

“Denmark escalates military tensions in the Arctic”, Russia says of troop deployment in Greenland

January 16, 2026

Frigate Kimon: Naval cadets welcome with cheers of “Long Live the Navy”

January 16, 2026

The 10 most common surgeries in Greek public hospitals

January 16, 2026

How the high-tech scam run by Chinese nationals caught in Spata worked

January 16, 2026

Weather: Winter returns from Saturday with severe cold and snow at low altitudes

January 16, 2026

Which viruses worry infectious disease experts about the risk of a pandemic in 2026

January 16, 2026

The capabilities and firepower of Greece’s Belharra: How the frigate “Kimon” reshapes the balance in the Aegean

January 16, 2026
All News

> World

“Denmark escalates military tensions in the Arctic”, Russia says of troop deployment in Greenland

Russia "is not drawing up plans to attack its neighbours in the Arctic, does not threaten them with military action and does not want to occupy their territories", Russia's ambassador to Denmark said

January 16, 2026

Archaeologists opened a cave in Gibraltar that had been sealed for 40,000 years and made a major discovery

January 16, 2026

“You think you are descendants of Plato and Aristotle, but you’re not” – Rama’s tirade against Greek journalist, watch video

January 15, 2026

Ballistic missile strike hits pier in Ukraine

January 15, 2026

The ordeal of a 28-year-old Greek man in Australia: He went on holiday to visit relatives, was injured at a beach, and is at risk of quadriplegia

January 15, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα