Kostas Manolas was presented as a ‘Greek God’ after being unveiled as Sharjah FC’s latest big European acquisition, but a daring announcement video idea featuring a lion seemingly almost went south.
The 31-year-old, who enjoyed successful stints at Roma and Napoli during an eight-year career in Serie A, made the switch to the UAE after featuring just 14 times in his native Greece having returned to old club Olympiakos.
Famous for a decisive quarter-final goal back in April 2018 against Barcelona, which sparked one of the greatest pieces of commentary from Peter Drury, Manolas was known henceforth as the ‘Greek God in Rome’.
“Roma have risen from their ruins… Manolas the Greek God in Rome. The unthinkable unfolds before our eyes… "It is a Greek from Mount Olympus who has come to the seven hills of Rome and pulled off a miracle."
HAPPY 55TH BIRTHDAY PETER DRURY 🎉
— DEAN FOOTBALL⚽ (@DEANFOOTBALL1) September 24, 2022
However, a quite unbelievable unveiling idea from his new club, featuring a lion to compliment his ‘God-like’ status, has culminated in a comical behind-the-scenes video.
See the footage for yourself below as the lion roars just metres away from Manolas, who attempts to scurry to safety.
Kostas Manolas was officially presented as a Sharjah FC player alongside a lion. 😱🦁😳
Not gunna lie, I would flat out refuse to do this. 😂
🎥 @SC_ESPN pic.twitter.com/1gBzvVlCPG
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) September 28, 2022
After narrowly avoiding death during his announcement video, he will join former Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic and ex-Borussia Dortmund striker Paco Alcacer among a number of high-profile signings from the UAE Pro League runners-up.
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