Cholevas declines invitation, Durmishaj papers almost ready
When becoming head coach of the Greek national team, Angelos Anastasiadis did his best to persuade Jose Cholevas to make a return to the international scene, but his efforts have proved fruitless.
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Back in October 2016, Cholevas retired from international football, with his disagreements with previous manager Michael Skibbe being the main reason behind his decision. After Anastasiadis replaced the departed Skibbe in 2018, there were hopes that Cholevas would change his mind and return to the Greek national team set-up, but he declined the offer.
In a report published by gazzetta.gr, Anastasiadis, Stelios Giannakopoulos, Angelos Basinas, Kostas Manolas and Konstantinos Mitroglou all attempted to persuade Cholevas to make a comeback for the Ethniki Omada, but the Watford left-back didn’t respond positively. According to the report published, 34-year-old Cholevas wasn’t convinced by the Greek national team’s project, and he doesn’t think it’s worth making a return.
This season, Cholevas has been in excellent form for Watford in the English Premier League, contributing with three goals and six assists.
LAST PAPERS BEING PREPARED FOR DURMISHAJ
As previously reported on AGONAsport, Panionios forward Fiorin Durmishaj is set to represent Greece at senior level, and only one document remains to allow him to participate.
Durmishaj, who played for Albania as a youth international, is a Greek citizen and the Hellenic Football Federation has now put together all of the required papers which will enable the 22-year-old to play for the Ethniki Omada. Only one more document is needed from the Albanian Football Association, and once that is received, the green light will be given. It’s expected that the process will be completed in time for Durmishaj to participate in the first two UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers against Liechtenstein (March 23) and Bosnia (March 26).
In Nea Smyrni, Durmishaj has been showing real promise in the current campaign, registering 11 goals and one assist in 28 matches across all competitions. Olympiacos are reportedly close to signing him from Panionios for next season.
