"Asteras really embraced me. I felt this from the first moment I came here and even more during my unfortunate injury," pointed out Kostas Triantafyllopoulos in his exclusive interview for the website of Super League. The Asteras Tripolis defender talked about the reports that Birmingham and Cardiff are interested in him, his professional career as well as… tattoos. The full interview:

Question by Christos Kakaletris

Despite the team's bad start in the championship, do you think that you can fight to qualify for the European competitions?

We do not think about this right now because it is quite early. The championship seems to be full of many more surprises. We make sure to do our job every Sunday.

Question by Yannis Dimitriou

How important was for your morale the win against AOK?

It was a very important win. We need to win many consecutive matches but first and foremost we need to not concede any goals.

Question by Petros Kolokouris

Despite your injury and your absence for many months, Asteras supported you. Is this an extra motive for you to go an extra step every time you play?

Asteras really embraced me. I felt this from the first moment I came here and even more during my unfortunate injury. Every day, in every training session and in every match I play, I do my best and I try to pay the team back for everything they have done for me.

Which elements do you believe the team should keep and for which ones is there room for improvement?

The team has started being at a very good level as regards its defence and this must go on. At the same time we seem to be also doing better from an attacking point of view. We must improve at every level, all the time.

There have recently been some reports that Birmingham and Cardiff are interested in signing you. Would you be interested in playing abroad or is it something that is not yet on your mind?

Right now, I am looking at Asteras and how we can be on a high level again, the same way the team was when we came here.

What do your tattoos mean? Is there a particular one which is special to you?

Tattoos are a means of expression and creativity during my spare time. The most special tattoo is the one on my neck. I have tattooed the initials of my family...

Question by Panayotis Karkas

What is your personal goal as regards your professional career?

I try every day to gain as much as possible and to go as high as possible. I have dreams and I want to fulfil them.

What other sports are you following except football and why?

I like rugby and I watch rugby matches every time I have the chance. It is a strong, manly sport. I also like NBA, I think it is very spectacular.

Would you like to see your children becoming professional athletes?

I would like to see my children get involved with the thing they love, as I was lucky to turn the thing I love into my profession. I would like them to play sports for reasons of physical and intellectual health.

THE WINNER OF THE DRAW FOR THE SIGNED SOUVENIR BY KOSTAS TRIANTAFYLLOPOULOS, OFFERED BY FC ASTERAS TRIPOLIS, IS MR PETROS KOLOKOURIS.