Andreas Makris praises ‘family feel’ of Cyprus Campus
A University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) student has put his studies on hold to follow his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
Andreas Makris 20, a student at UCLan Cyprus on the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science programme, has signed a three-year deal with Walsall Football Club for a fee believed to be €350,000 – smashing the club’s previous transfer record.
He will start an intensive training programme with the Saddlers at the beginning of September following the completion of the necessary medical tests.
The 10-time Cypriot international striker of Anorthosis Famagusta, was in his second year at UCLan Cyprus. He will now suspend his studies to concentrate on his football with the Saddlers.
"The campus has a real family feel and the academic staff were full of encouragement as I balanced my professional football career in Cyprus while completing my assignments to deadline."
Commenting on his time at UCLan Cyprus Andreas said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at UCLan Cyprus for the fantastic support I received during my studies. The campus has a real family feel and the academic staff were full of encouragement as I balanced my professional football career in Cyprus while completing my assignments to deadline.”
Andreas came through the football ranks at AEP Paphos before earning a move to Anorthosis with some eye catching displays as a 17-year-old. He made the move to Larnaca in the summer of 2013 for €20,000 and was named the Best Young Player in Cyprus in the same year by the Cypriot FA.
His 13 goals in 30 appearances helped fire Anorthosis to a third placed finish in the 2014/15 season, when he also came runner-up in the country's goal of the season award.
Andreas is enthusiastic about his future at Walsall: "I am very pleased to be here. From the moment I walked into the stadium I felt comfortable and I know this move will further my career.
“I would like to thank my professors and sports science course leaders at UCLan Cyprus, Dr Koulla Parpa and Dr Marcos Michaelides. They were a real inspiration to me and I aim to use the valuable knowledge gained from the course and apply it in my new career as a professional football player.”