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 He started his professional career in Larisa FC, before moving to PAOK, while still a youngster. PAOK did not realize his massive talent at first, loaning him for three years to Kavala FC. In his final year at Kavala, Salpigidis was the top scorer in the Greek National Second Division. He then publicly pleaded PAOK to return him at Tumba Stadium. Coach Angelos Anastasiadis decided to give him a chance in the first eleven of nationally supported PAOK. Salpigidis showed vast amounts of talent, playing as a right midfielder. He is probably the fastest Greek football player, an exceptionally trained athlete. His short stature gives him a great advantage in sprints, and he has adopted a quite explosive style of play. Gradually, he earned a place in the first eleven, just a few months after returning from loan. After a year, a lot of quality players left PAOK FC, mostly due to poor economics. Amongst them were Cypriot striker Ioannis Okkas and prolific ex-Newcastle United forward Giorgos Georgiadis, both signing for arch-rivals Olympiakos. PAOK did not have the resources to substitute these two internationals, and Salpigidis assumed to reciprocate for both. Salpigidis, at age 21, was made captain of the team, and started playing in the center of the forwards. Soon he proved his natural sense for goals, and changed his position to striker. Being the captain of the team, also made him responsible for tactical play, and when in defense Salpigidis is famous for his fast returns to midfield or even defense. He became a fans favorite in less than a year, and was widely recognized in Greece. The following summer he agreed to sign a new contract with PAOK. A lot of teams from Greece and Europe offered him greater contracts, but Salpigidis was true to his feelings. His significance in PAOK is so great that he was given permission to miss a match with the Greek Olympic team so he can participate in a clashing UEFA Champions League qualifier (June 2004).
Dimitris Salpigidis, Sport Show 2007 Dimitris Salpigidis is rumoured to give up leading PAOK, due to the return of legendary Theodoros Zagorakis, captain of the Greek National Team and a Euro 2004 Champion. Still at age 24 he is considered to be the next leader of the Greek National Team, and one of the most explosive forwards in Greek football. He wears shirt number 9. Personal information National team2 * Appearances (Goals)
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