The MVP and Best Goal awards of the 3rd matchday were awarded to Hugo Almeida playing for AEK, who topped the competition organised by Super League Greece, the Panhellenic Association of Professional Players (PSAP) and NOVA. The award was presented to the Portuguese striker by ΑΕΚ's fan Nikos Xirokostas.
After the ceremony, the AEK player stated the following:
"It was a very beautiful goal. I was prepared and wanted to make use of the opportunity I was given. I was fortunate to take a correct shot and to score a truly magnificent goal. The truth is that it was a wonderful as well as important goal. I hope to be able to take a similar shot again and score a goal IN the same way.
The most important thing for me right not is that I am very happy for having won these two awards, but I try to leave it behind me in order to focus on our very important match this Saturday when we will all try to win the three points once again."
Almeida confessed he was surprised that he was named MVP of the 3rd matchday:
"The truth is that I did not expect to be named MVP. The goal I scored was indeed very good and I was expecting this, but I did not expect the second award.
Several matches were played, many goals were scored and many great players played in these matches and scored goals. I am of course very happy about the awards and I would like to thank my teammates because I wouldn't be able to do this without them."
Mr Xirokostas said:
"I wish to state the opinion of AEK's fans that our side kicked-off the season very well and our satisfaction for this. Not only as regards Hugo (Almeida), but the other players as well. I hope the team will have a similar appearance in the away match next week, as well as in all matches from now on. They should have an even better performance so that we will be able to compete for the title.
The fans can see that there is an effort to man the team with more players and we hope to see more moves similar to the transfer of Almeida. We want great players coming to Greece, and especially Greek, so that we will be able to watch beautiful football - this is the most important thing. I hope to be lucky and have the opportunity to hand out more awards.
I would also like to send a message regarding the stadium. I hope that this jewel will be built at some point. Certain people should stop posing obstacles. The stadium is crucial both for AEK and Nea Philadelphia and for Athens in general. It is good to have such stadiums so that people can visit them and enjoy themselves. A stadium should be built, but only in Nea Philadelphia."