Ange Postecoglou has signalled his intention to continue his managerial career after being honoured in Greece for his success on the European stage.
The former Celtic manager received a special award in Athens, recognising his achievement in leading Tottenham Hotspur to Europa League glory last season.
Despite delivering Spurs their first major silverware in nearly two decades with a final win over Manchester United, Postecoglou was sacked following a dismal Premier League campaign.
Brentford’s Thomas Frank has since taken charge in North London, with Postecoglou surprisingly linked with the West London club.
The 59-year-old, who was born in Nea Filadelfeia before his family moved to Australia in 1970, began his journey in the game down under, first as a player, then as a coach.
That journey eventually brought him to Parkhead, where he carved his name into Celtic’s modern history books, and later to the Premier League, where he became the first Greek-born coach to lift a European trophy.
Returning to his birthplace this week for the unveiling of the new Super League season, Postecoglou was celebrated for his contribution to football and used the moment to reflect on his upbringing, his father’s influence, and the road still ahead.
He said: (X), “When I left Greece, my father and my mother, mostly my father, passed on the love they had for football to me.
“I grew up with the names. He supported AEK, Mimi Papaeoannou, Thomas Mavro and (Georgios) Delikaris.
“I hadn’t seen all these players but I knew all these names as if I had seen them, because my father always told me about these stories.
“Since I was little, I had the dream of one day reaching this level. Unfortunately as a player, this wasn’t possible, I realised that early on.
“But as a coach, I tried with all the passion I had for football to make, especially my father, and my mother proud of the sacrifices they made which made them leave their own country, their family, for me and my sister to give us the opportunity to live our dreams.
“And every day I think about that, the sacrifices he made.
“My father is not with me now but I know he sees me and is proud of what I have achieved so far. I always have my wife and my children by my side.
“The goal is to continue, we’re not done yet. I want to do all of Greece and Australia where I grew up, but especially Greece because I was born here, proud with all the things I hope will happen in the future.
“But it’s a great honour to be here. I am low profile and don’t talk too much but know that in my heart these moments remain very close to me. Thank you very much.”
Postecoglou is still held in high regard by Celtic fans after leading the club to five trophies in two seasons, including a Treble in his final year.
Even though his spell at Spurs was cut short, he’s showing no signs of slowing down. At a stage where some managers look to step back, Postecoglou looks determined to push on, fuelled by the same drive that took him from Melbourne to the top level.
Talk continues about where he might end up next, whether that’s back at a club or in international football. But one thing is clear from his words in Athens: he’s not finished yet.