Greek defender Pantelis Hatzidiakos has revealed he could have joined Leeds United this summer but was convinced to join Cagliari by manager Claudio Ranieri.
The centre-back has been speaking to Greek Radio station ERA Sport, with his comments relayed by Tuttomercatoweb.
The defender joined Cagliari in a €2m deal from AZ Alkmaar this summer after 12 years with the Dutch club.
He initially joined them from PAO U17 and went into their youth ranks before moving up the various levels to the first team in 2014 and going on to make 213 appearances for them.
He’s now at Cagliari in Serie A, having joined them in the summer as one of several new signings brought in by the Italian club following their promotion from Serie B.
It means he now finds himself playing in one of the top five leagues in Europe, a step up from the Eredivisie and a new experience for him to boot.
It is that which appears to have lured him in as he’s revealed he didn’t want to risk joining Leeds, who currently find themselves in the second tier in England.
“Ranieri? He’s a great character, we spoke on the phone before I made the decision and he helped me a lot in choosing to go to Cagliari,” he said.
“The team’s objective is survival and I hope to change his memories of the Greeks. Alkmaar is like family to me, they helped me a lot with the move.
“I waited until August 31st to help the team in Europe. And as happens in life, I also scored a vital goal before leaving. Greek clubs?
“There was never anything concrete, there was a phone call with AEK Athens in the last few days of the transfer window, but I had now made my decision for Cagliari.
“Leeds were also interested, but I didn’t want to risk it. For me, Cagliari is a great opportunity with a great coach, and I think Italian football suits me.”
