Stoltidis 'no' to Greece

Stoltidis: Had to turn down Greece

Related links

Teams

• Greece

Players

• Ieroklis Stoltidis

Also see

• Transfer Centre
• Paper Talk
• Tell us your rumours

Ieroklis Stoltidis has declined the chance to be part of holders Greece's preparations for the European Championship.

The veteran midfielder was called up by coach Otto Rehhagel for this week's friendly games against Czech Republic and Finland.

Stoltidis has not played for Greece during Rehhagel's reign, but was given the opportunity to stake a claim for a spot in the Euro 2008 squad.

But the 33-year-old has pulled out of the latest squad after admitting it would not be fair to add international games to his club commitments with Olympiakos.

"I would like to thank the Hellenic Football Federation, and Otto Rehhagel, for the honour bestowed upon me with this call-up - I was, am and will forever be a fervent supporter of the national team," Stoltidis said in a statement on his club's official website.

Heavy schedule

"I hope everyone achieves their goal at Euro 2008.

"As I explained to Mr Rehhagel: had I accepted the call-up, I would not have been honest with the players or the fans who want to see me play for Greece.

"I would have been adding international matches to my already heavy schedule with Olympiakos in the domestic league and cup and the UEFA Champions League. I'm no longer at an age where I can perform on all those fronts at the required level.

"Apart from my gratitude to the fans for their support, I want to assure them that, had this call come earlier in my career, when I was capable of competing on all fronts at a high level, I would have put myself at the disposal of the coach without hesitation."