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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Iain Collin

Orestis Kiomourtzoglou ready to prove himself with Hearts on the European stage

Orestis Kiomourtzoglou ready to prove himself with Hearts on the European stage

Orestis Kiomourtzoglou insists he is ready to prove himself with Hearts after being lured to Tynecastle by the prospect of European football.

The former Germany under-21 midfielder has penned a three-year deal with the Jambos after they agreed a six-figure fee, believed to be in the region of £300,000, with Dutch side Heracles Almelo.

Kiomourtzoglou joined Heracles in 2019 and made 75 Eredivisie appearances in three seasons before the club was relegated to the Eerste Divisie via the play-offs last term.

The 24-year-old is now expected to add steel to the Hearts engine room and has vowed to make himself a nuisance for opponents at home and abroad.

‘Kio’ said: “I’m very happy to be here, I’ve had a very nice welcome already and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead. 

“For sure, I’ll be 100 per cent ready. I really look forward to being a part of this amazing club and I will give everything.

“I run, I slide, I tackle, I do everything to help my team-mates. I really hope I can help the team with my attributes and my aggression on the pitch.”

He added: “For me, it was now, after three years in Holland, the time to make the next step and I was ready for it.

“Especially with the challenge of playing European football. I think that is perfect to prove myself and show myself and I’m ready for this.

“I was looking around the stadium with Joe [Savage, sporting director], and I thought, ‘wow!’.  It’s a really big stadium, a nice stadium and I’m happy.

“Every player wants to show and prove themselves in European football. Everybody is watching you and I hope I can help the team.”

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