Theo back with Reds, now targets Olympics

Theo Papaloukas (left) signed with Olympiacos (Photo credit: FIBA)Photo Gallery>>Greece star Theo Papaloukas has drawn the curtain on hugely successful career at CSKA Moscow and returned to former club Olympiacos in his homeland on a three-year deal.

The 31-year-old, who has joined up with the national team this week to begin preparing for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens, spent six years at CSKA and won numerous titles.

"Whatever happens in the future, CSKA will always have a place in my heart and in my mind," Papaloukas said. "I want to thank everybody there."

At Olympiacos, whose last trophy was the Greek Cup when Papaloukas was in the team, the guard links up with Greece legend and national team boss Panagiotis Yannakis.

"Everything points to Olympiacos being on the right track," said Papaloukas.

"The way that the Aggelopoulos brothers approached me and the presence of Panagiotis Yannakis were good enough reasons to say 'yes' to Olympiacos."

Now he can focus firmly on leading Greece to the Beijing Games.

The Greeks are hosting the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and three spots for China are up for grabs.

Papaloukas and Co will take on Brazil and Lebanon in Group A and should they finish in the top two, advance to a quarter-final to take on Cape Verde, New Zealand or Germany.

"In every event that we take part in, we must win," Papaloukas said.

"This time, I think that the conditions are much more on our side because the tournament will take place here in Athens.

"Of course there is more anxiety, but with the support of our fans, we believe we will make it happen."

(Credit: FIBA. Click here for further information.)