CF Montreal have faced several departures since the beginning of December, but they have also added young players to their squad, including midfielder Ilias Iliadis.
Just two months ago, the 21-year-old was in the B side of Greek giants Panathinaikos FC when an offer caught his eye. The Toronto native saw it as an opportunity to return to Canadian soil after an exile of about eight years, and he ended his contract at the beginning of December.
In an article published on December 20, the Greek media Sport24 quoted that Ilias Iliadis had “requested the termination of his contract due to personal problems”, but the young midfielder did not touch on the subject after training for the bleu-blanc-noir on Monday. Never mind, he accepted a two-season contract with CF Montreal, for 2023 and 2024, with two option years.
He took part in his first training session last week and he believes that MLS can allow him to develop as a player. “I was a free agent during the January transfer window and this deal happened. I felt like it was a great opportunity,” he explained.
“For a young person like me, it’s a great platform to show what I can do. MLS has made great strides in recent years. That’s why it’s a step in the right direction for me. »
A new workplace
Upon his arrival, Ilias Iliadis was notably welcomed by goalkeeper James Pantemis, who is of Greek descent. The two players were able to chat during a day of testing in the gym. Since then, the athlete has seen how united the group is and he has gotten to know his other teammates.
Anyone who describes himself as a dynamic midfielder capable of being effective both in attack and in defense knows nevertheless that he will have to live a period of adaptation with his new team – which itself must live one with its new coach. -leader, Hernán Losada. “I don’t know much about the team’s style of play. I have some catching up to do, but I am convinced that the coach will give me all the details and that he will put me in a good situation. »
It will be very interesting to see how Ilias Iliadis will be used this season within CF Montreal. The departures of Djordje Mihailovic and Ismaël Koné have created openings and persistent rumors are also sending midfielder Joaquín Torres elsewhere, with the Philadelphia Union.
The young midfielder, however, has not set any goals for the next season. “I have no expectations coming here. I just want to do my best and we’ll see what happens. »