Thursday Sep 29 2005 13:06
UEFA have named Greece captain Theodoros Zagorakis as Euro 2004's player of the tournament.
The 32-year-old AEK Athens star was a stalwart in the Greek midfield as they surprised many people by going on to win the competition.
They beat Portugal twice - in the opening game of Euro 2004 and the final Â? Euro 2000 winners France and the Czech Republic.
In their group games they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Spain before losing 2-1 to Russia.
UEFA's technical study group confirmed Zagorakis' success on Monday with one of the committee, former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier saying: "He was captain, man of the match in the first game and in the last.
"He was influential and showed leadership, and he is also a good player - his skills and technique showed in the final."
Zagorakis has won 92 caps for his country since making his international debut against the Faroe Islands in September 1994.
He signed for AEK Athens four years ago after spending just over two years at Leicester City.
Zagorakis previously played for PAOK Salonika.
Have your say on this article