Andrè Schembri is relishing the challenge of proving himself in a new league after inking a two-year deal with Greek Super League club Olympiakos Volos.
The Malta forward was a free agent after his contract with Hungarian club Ferencvaros expired at the end of last season.
Schembri, 25, believes his switch to Volos represents a step-up in his career but admitted that some Maltese fans may have been surprised at his decision to sign for a club in Greece in light of reports linking him with a move to Italian Serie A side Chievo.
“I’m satisfied to have joined Olympiakos Volos,” Schembri said. “I believe it’s another step forward in my career. Four years ago I was playing in the top Maltese league and now I’m going to play in the Greek Super League.
“I’m looking forward to this new challenge. I’m aware that some Maltese fans may be somewhat disappointed that I haven’t joined a club in a top footballing country like Italy. There was a slight possibility of going to an Italian club but I’d have had to wait longer for an answer.
“I was not prepared to take that risk.”
Schembri confirmed that an Italian agent was trying to get him a deal with Chievo.
“I know an Italian agent who was in contact with Chievo about the possibility of signing me,” Schembri explained.
“There was interest but I didn’t receive a concrete proposal. In my career, I’ve always tried to take one step at a time. Four years ago, I had the chance to join OFK Crete but I chose Eintracht Braunschweig because I wanted to have a realistic chance of playing regularly. This the reason I’ve chosen Olympiakos Volos.
“I had other options, mainly from clubs in Russia and Ukraine. The offers were very attractive, money-wise, but I preferred to join Olympiakos Volos. I believe Greece is the ideal place for me to raise my level as a player. Money is not my top priority at this stage of my career.”
Schembri put pen to paper on a two-year deal yesterday after flying to Greece on Wednesday. “Olympiakos Volos put in a bold effort to sign me,” Schembri said.
“The club has a Spanish coach (Javi Gracia) and that was an added attraction for me because the Spanish football philosophy is very much to my liking.”
“My top priority is to secure a regular place in the team,” Schembri added. “That’s a big challenge because there are many strong foreigners here. The team has already resumed training as Olympiakos Volos will play in the second qualifying round of the Europa League against Serbian side Rad next week.”
Schembri’s switch to Olympiakos Volos will not go down well with the Ferencvaros fans who regarded the Maltese forward as one of their favourite players after his excellent performances last season.
“I was very happy at Ferencvaros and the club fans were great to me,” Schembri observed.
“They offered me a new contract but as I said, I’m always looking to advance in my career by moving to a superior league. I take the opportunity to thank the president of Ferencvaros, coach, players and the supporters for their backing during the time I spent with the club.”
News of Schembri’s move to Olympiakos Volos comes only two days after his close friend, goalkeeper Justin Haber, who was also on the books of Ferencvaros last season, joined Kerkyra.
“This is a co-incidence but I’m glad that Justin has also joined a club in the Greek Super League,” Schembri said.
“I will be happy if I score against him! Jokes apart, Justin is a very good friend and he helped me a lot to pursue a career outside Malta. I’m very grateful for his support and I wish him success with his new club.”