‘I was very happy in Leverkusen’: 04 questions for former Werkself player and Olympiacos captain Panagiotis Retsos

04 questions for Panos Retsos...

Panos, you've been back playing for Olympiacos since 2022, where you've won the Greek double and the UEFA Conference League. You are also captain of the club. What’s it like to be back home?

Retsos: It was nice to come back at the best age for a player and win those titles. Especially because it was with Olympiacos, the club I grew up with. I have my family and friends here, I'm doing very well. I've taken a lot of small steps forward since returning, which on the one hand have shown me that I'm getting older (he laughs), but of course also that I'm more experienced and can and want to take on more responsibility. So it was a process until I got the captain's armband. It's a nice development. But it's important for me to emphasise that playing abroad for Bayer 04 was an equally great experience for me.

You were at Bayer 04 for over four years and also lived in Leverkusen. What memories do you have of that time?

Retsos: It was very unusual at the beginning because it was my first time abroad at a very young age. But I was really pleased to get this chance at such a big club like Bayer 04 and I have nothing but good memories of that time. I spoke to my national team-mates Konstantinos Stafylidis and Kyriakos Papadopoulos before the transfer and they only told me positive things about Leverkusen - for example, that the people around the club, whether it’s the team, staff or fans, are all very friendly and open and the atmosphere is very informal. The stadium is great and the club has a clear vision for the future. And that's exactly what I experienced during my time at Bayer 04. I was very happy in Leverkusen.

A lot has happened in Leverkusen since you left the club. How do you see the development of Bayer 04?

Retsos: I've never stopped following the games. I'm still in contact from time to time with some of the players who now play for other clubs. Jonathan Tah, Florian Wirtz or Kai Havertz, for example. I also write to Simon Rolfes (Managing Director Sport, ed.) from time to time. I’ve been really pleased with the club's successful development. Bayer 04 deserve to win lots of trophies, not just because of the outstanding Bundesliga title win, but also because extremely good work has been done here for many years. It's a very special club for me and certainly for many people who play and have played there.

You will now meet some former team-mates again, such as Robert Andrich and Patrik Schick. How do you feel about meeting your former team-mates and what do you expect from Tuesday's game?

Retsos: When I saw the draw, I had a funny feeling at first that I wasn't playing for Bayer 04, but against them (he laughs). But now I'm really looking forward to the game and to seeing some of the players and staff again. As is usually the case in the Champions League, it will certainly be an intense and high-quality duel. Of course, I know Bayer 04 are a strong team and that it will be difficult for us. But the Werkself will also face a strong opponent - and a loud stadium! The fans can look forward to a very entertaining game.