Anthony Martial has made headlines in Greece following his transfer to AEK Athens, achieving a milestone he couldn’t at Manchester United for over three years. The former Red Devils star seems to be finding his footing in Greek football, with local media praising his early contributions.
A Fresh Start in Greece
After leaving Manchester United at the end of the 2023/24 season, Martial joined AEK Athens on a lucrative deal reportedly worth £2.5 million per year. The 28-year-old French forward, who struggled with injuries during his time at Old Trafford, has already made five appearances for the Greek club, contributing one goal and one assist across all competitions.
Breaking a Long-Standing Barrier
One of Martial’s significant achievements since moving to AEK Athens is completing back-to-back 90-minute matches—a feat he hadn’t managed at Manchester United since January 2021. According to Transfermarkt, he played the full 90 minutes against Atromitos on November 3 and repeated the feat on November 9 against Asteras Tripolis.
For context, Martial’s last consecutive full matches for United came over three years ago, during games against Aston Villa and Burnley in early 2021. This accomplishment marks a significant step in his journey to regain consistent form and fitness.
Greek Media’s Praise
Martial’s early performances at AEK Athens have drawn attention from the Greek press. Prominent publication Gazzetta acknowledged his initial impact, describing him as a player showing “undeniable footballing quality.” While noting that Martial hasn’t fully hit his stride yet, the outlet highlighted his satisfaction with the team atmosphere and his potential to grow further.
The report stated:
“From his body language and statements, Martial shows he is completely satisfied with what he has found at AEK. The atmosphere at the OPAP Arena has inspired him, and as he becomes more familiar with his teammates, his contributions will become even more visible.”
Martial’s Journey at Manchester United
Martial’s career at Manchester United, which began in 2015 with a £36 million move from AS Monaco, was marked by moments of brilliance and recurring injury woes. Over nine years, he scored 90 goals in 317 appearances across all competitions but struggled to secure a consistent starting role due to fitness issues. His departure from the Premier League marked the end of a challenging chapter and the beginning of a fresh one in Greece.
What’s Next for Martial and AEK Athens?
AEK Athens will return to action in the Super League Greece this Sunday when they face Olympiacos at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium. As Martial continues to adapt to his new surroundings, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if he can reignite his career and make a lasting impact in Greek football.
Martial’s journey in Athens is just beginning, but early signs suggest a promising chapter ahead for the Frenchman.
