Zikos returns to AEK

Former Greece midfielder Vassilios Zikos has rejoined AEK Athens FC on a two-year deal after four seasons with AS Monaco FC.

Free transfer
Zikos has opted to move back to AEK after his contract with the principality club was cancelled, bringing an end to his 102-game Monaco career. He had fallen out of favour under new Monaco coach Laszlo Bölöni, which facilitated his free transfer to AEK, where he played a century of league matches between 1998 and 2002. "I have returned to the club of my heart and I will end my playing days here in two years' time," he said. The 32-year-old was a key figure in the Monaco team that reached the UEFA Champions League final of 2003/04. In the tournament's current edition, AEK lead Scottish side Heart of Midlothian FC 2-1 after the first leg of their third qualifying round tie, which concludes in Athens on 23 August.