“It’s something special” – Super Eagles captain pens emotional departure message to PAOK Thessaloniki

Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong has penned an emotional farewell message to PAOK Thessaloniki and her fans as he prepares for the next chapter of his football career, Soccernet.ng reports.

The AFCON 2023 Player of the Tournament was linked with a move to the Middle East following a brilliant campaign with the Super Eagles in Ivory Coast.

The 30-year-old was a regular for PAOK before suffering a ruptured biceps femoris in his right leg in February and required surgery which kept him out of action till the season ended. However, he played a crucial role in PAOK's Super League triumph, playing 22 games and scoring one goal in all competitions for the Double-Headed Eagles.

Ekong agreed to join Saudi Pro League side, Al Kholood in a deal in principle worth € 1.2m ($1.3m). The terms of the contract will see the Nigerian captain pen a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

Following the confirmation of the deal, the former Watford defender took to his social media page to pen a message to the PAOK Thessaloniki fans, thanking them for the past year he spent with the Greek Champions.

DEAR PAOK,
1/2 pic.twitter.com/9Acnt1yXI4

— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) August 23, 2024

“Dear PAOK, After an amazing year and season in Thessaloniki, I want to thank everyone for the opportunity to share and be part of those moments with you. I want to thank the president, club staff, medical team, General Lucescu, assistants and especially my teammates who have become my family, for the belief and hard work that resulted in an unforgettable championship and special European nights. To the fans, thank you for the support through difficult times. Toumba is something special and now I understand what MONO PAOK means. I wish everyone another successful season and I will continue to follow PAOK. All the best, Will,” Ekong's post read.

Al Kholood were promoted to the Saudi Pro League last season after finishing third in the country's second tier.