Daniel Podence Reflects on Warm Welcome and Historic Europa Conference League Triumph
In an exclusive interview with Olympiacos’ official YouTube channel, Portuguese forward Daniel Podence shared his heartfelt thoughts on the overwhelming reception he received from the club’s passionate supporters at Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos Airport. He also reminisced about the landmark victory in the Europa Conference League and expressed his eagerness to once again perform in front of the fervent “red and whites” fans.
Unforgettable Reception at Athens Airport
Podence admitted that the enthusiastic greeting caught him by surprise. “Honestly, I didn’t expect such an incredible welcome. This is my third time returning, yet nothing prepared me for that moment. The fans’ energy was electrifying and made me feel truly appreciated. I am forever grateful and will cherish that memory for a lifetime,” he revealed.
Revisiting the Historic Europa Conference League Victory
Reflecting on the club’s groundbreaking European success, Podence shared, “I often revisit footage from the Conference League final and that unforgettable season. Watching those moments with my children and family brings back the joy we all felt. There are many stories from that campaign, but one that stands out is from an away match against Maccabi Tel Aviv. While undergoing treatment with one of our physiotherapists, he asked me how I felt about the challenge ahead. I told him, ‘It’s tough, but if we score two goals, we’ll win comfortably.’ He was stunned by my confidence.”
He continued, “We did score those two goals, and the rest of the match became much easier. That moment epitomizes our belief and determination. After a 1-4 loss at home, the odds of advancing were 99% against us. Yet, our faith and relentless effort turned the tide. Winning that European trophy as an Olympiacos player-the club’s first ever in Europe-remains the pinnacle of my career. I’m not sure if it will ever be repeated.”
Looking Ahead: Champions League Ambitions and Fan Connection
Podence also reflected on his early Champions League experiences with Olympiacos. “I vividly remember my debut nights in the Champions League during my second season here. I’m thrilled to compete again at that elite level against top-tier teams. I genuinely believe we have a strong chance to succeed,” he stated.
He emphasized the profound impact of fan support: “The love from our supporters means everything. It transcends football and touches our lives deeply. When you feel at home and happy, your performance naturally improves. Here, I’m surrounded not only by my family but also by my second family-the club and its fans. That is the most important thing in my life. I’m here for them and for the sport I love. I missed the thrill of chasing titles, and bringing joy to our supporters through our achievements is incredibly fulfilling.”
Current Context and Future Prospects
As Olympiacos continues to build on its recent successes, Podence’s optimism reflects the club’s ambition to remain a dominant force in European football. With the 2023-2024 season underway, Olympiacos is aiming to secure another European trophy, leveraging the momentum from their historic Conference League win. Podence’s leadership and experience are expected to play a crucial role in this pursuit.