Giannis Skopelitis

Giannis Skopelitis (born March 2, 1978) is a Greek football player. He currently plays for Cypriot football club Anorthosis Famagusta.

Skopelitis joined FA Premier League club Portsmouth FC in January 2005 from Egaleo FC for what was thought to be a fee of £1million, as a replacement for Amady Faye who was sold to Newcastle United F.C.. However, it later transpired that the transfer deal was structured as a year's loan with an initial fee of around £300k with the remaining £700k being paid if the club desired to keep the player after this period.

Skopelitis made his debut for Pompey as a 73rd minute substitute for Ricardo Fuller in a 2-1 home win over Middlesbrough. Coincidentally, he had already faced Middlesbrough in 2004/05 when facing them for Egaleo in the UEFA Cup.

Skopelitis is a bustling and energetic midfield player, who is adept at both defensive and offensive duties. He earned himself an excellent reputation in Greece thanks to his fruitful and lengthy stay with Egaleo.

Having reached the end of his trial period for Portsmouth at the turn of the new year 2006, Skopelitis had made only a few substitute appearances, failing to impress, and returned to Egaleo. The player was upbeat on his return to his former club, telling Sky,

"I can't hide the fact that I wanted to continue playing in England but it's a big pleasure for me to play again for Egaleo."

"I have many friends here and this club is my family."

"My ambitions are still high and if I am going to have again the chance to play football out of Greece I will do it"