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| {{short description|Greek footballer}} | |||
| {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}} | |||
| {{Infobox football biography | {{Infobox football biography | ||
| | name = Panagiotis Kone | |||
| | image = File:20130814 AT-GR Panagiotis Kone 2371.jpg | |||
| | caption = Kone with ] in 2013 | |||
| | fullname = | |||
| | birth_name = Gjergji Kone | |||
| | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|7|26|df=y}} | |||
| | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1987|7|26|df=y}} | |||
| | birth_place = ], ] | |||
| | birth_place = ], ] | |||
| | height = {{convert|1.82|m|abbr=on}} | |||
| | height = {{convert|1.82|m|abbr=on}} | |||
| | currentclub = ] | |||
| | currentclub = | |||
| | clubnumber = 33 | |||
| | position = ] | |||
| | youthyears1 = 1999–2004 | youthclubs1 = ] | |||
| | youthyears2 = 2004–2005 | youthclubs2 = ] | |||
| | years1 = 2005–2008 | caps1 = 24 | goals1 = 2 | clubs1 = ] | |||
| | years2 = 2008–2010 | caps2 = 49 | goals2 = 8 | clubs2 = ] | |||
| | years3 = 2010–2012 | caps3 = 31 | goals3 = 1 | clubs3 = ] | |||
| | years4 = 2011–2012 | caps4 = 31 | goals4 = 1 | clubs4 = → ] (loan) | |||
| | years5 = 2012–2014 | caps5 = 59 | goals5 = 11 | clubs5 = ] | |||
| | years6 = |
| years6 = 2014–2018 | caps6 = 38 | goals6 = 1 | clubs6 = ] | ||
| | |
| years7 = 2016 | caps7 = 1 | goals7 = 0 | clubs7 = → ] (loan) | ||
| | years8 = 2017 | caps8 = 2 | goals8 = 0 | clubs8 = → ] (loan) | |||
| | years9 = 2017–2018 | caps9 = 13 | goals9 = 1 | clubs9 = → ] (loan) | |||
| | years10 = 2019–2020 | caps10 = 15 | goals10 = 2 | clubs10 = ] |totalcaps = 263 | totalgoals = 27 | |||
| | pcupdate = {{date|2015-5-10}} | |||
| | nationalyears1 = 2006 | nationalcaps1 = 4 | nationalgoals1 = 1 | nationalteam1 = ] | |||
| | ntupdate = {{date|2015-3-29}} | |||
| | nationalyears2 = 2006–2007 | nationalcaps2 = 8 | nationalgoals2 = 0 | nationalteam2 = ] | |||
| | nationalyears3 = 2010–2015 | nationalcaps3 = 28 | nationalgoals3 = 2 | nationalteam3 = ] | |||
| | club-update = 03:29, 23 February 2020 (UTC). | |||
| | nationalteam-update = 24 October 2015 | |||
| | manageryears1 = 2020–2022 | |||
| | managerclubs1 = ] (]) | |||
| | manageryears2 = 2022–2024 | |||
| | managerclubs2 = ] (])<ref>{{Cite web|title=PANAGIOTIS KONE \\ Technical Director|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/ped/panagiotis-kone-125864.htm?lang=en|access-date=2023-04-02|website=www.aekfc.gr|language=en}}</ref> | |||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''Panagiotis Giorgios Kone''' ({{lang-el|Παναγιώτης Γεώργιος Κονέ}}, born 26 July 1987), is a ] footballer who plays as an ] for ] in ]. | |||
| '''Panagiotis Kone''' ({{langx|el|Παναγιώτης Κονέ}}, born 26 July 1987) is a Greek former professional ] who played as an ]. | |||
| ==Early and personal life== | |||
| Kone was born in ], ]. His parents are Isac and Leontina.<ref name="nationality">{{cite web | author=Sport-fm | date =4 September 2011 | script-title=el:Κονέ: "Ήρθα σε έναν σύλλογο με φήμη και ιστορία"| publisher= www.sport-fm.gr |url= http://www.sport-fm.gr/article/498577| year=| accessdate=4 September 2011 | language=Greek }}</ref> He has said, regarding his identity, that he solely feels Greek.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.lajmeonline.eu/shqiptari-kone-sjam-shqiptar-jam-grek/ |title= Kone: S’jam shqiptar, jam grek! (Kone: I'm not Albanian, I'm Greek!) |publisher= http://www.lajmeonline.eu |accessdate= 2014-06-29|last=|first=|quote= Kone ndihet grek…Pra, unë s’jam shqiptar”, tha Kone, i cili e ka refuzuar Kombëtaren shqiptare dhe e përfaqëson atë greke. (translated: Kone feels Greek …I’m not Albanian, "said Kone, who has rejected the Albanian national team and represents the Greek.) }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Αφιέρωμα της FIFA στον Έλληνα της Μπολόνια|url=http://www.sentragoal.gr/article.asp?catid=16489&subid=2&pubid=129329280|website=sentragoal.gr|accessdate=14 June 2014}}</ref> His family moved to ], Greece, and he has said that he has never faced discrimination because of his origin in Albania.<ref>{{cite web|title=Panajotis Kone:Nuk e kam mohuar kurrë origjinën time|url=http://www.sportishqiptar.com.al/newsite/2013/02/11/panajotis-kone-nuk-e-kam-mohuar-kurre-origjinen-time|quote="Origjinën time nuk e kam mohuar kurrë, por edhe në Greqi kurrsesi nuk më kanë diskriminuar" (translation: I have never denied my origin, but in Greece I haven't been discriminated))}}</ref> Some of his relatives still live in Albania.<ref>{{cite web|title=Κονέ: "Ήρθα σε έναν σύλλογο με φήμη και ιστορία"|url=http://www.sport-fm.gr/article/498577|website=sport-fm.gr|accessdate=23 June 2014|quote="Έχω ακόμα κάποια μέλη της οικογένειάς μου στην Αλβανία, αλλά είναι όλοι τους Έλληνες" (translation: Some members of my family still live Albania, but they are all Greeks))}}</ref> | |||
| Kone started playing football in the youth ranks of ], from where he moved to ]' youth team. He started professional football in ] before moving to ] in 2008. After two seasons with the club, Kone moved to Serie A club ]. After one season in Brescia, he moved to ] in 2011 on loan, then transferred permanently to the club in 2012. | |||
| Kone began his youth career at the ] youth academy as a young teenager but moved to France just before his 17th birthday when ] showed interest in him. He was sold to Lens for ]400,000.<ref name="400,000">{{cite web | author=SportEkspres | date =26 August 2010 | title= Futboll: Shqiptar apo grek? Gjergji Kone duhet të vendosë | publisher= kombetarja.com | url= http://kombetarja.com/sporti-lajme.php| year=| accessdate=7 March 2011 }}</ref> | |||
| He then signed for ] in 2014. After loan spells with ], ] and ], Kone left Udinese in August 2018. | |||
| Kone represented Greece at various youth levels before making his senior debut in 2010. He was a member of the ] squad that played in the ]. | |||
| ==Early life== | |||
| He was born as Gjergji Kone<ref>{{Cite web|title = Oriundi d'Europa. Ecco come si muove il Vecchio Continente|url = http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/focus-tmw-oriundi-d-europa-ecco-come-si-muove-il-vecchio-continente-661310l|website = tuttomercatoweb.com|language=it|quote=Gjergji Kone è nato in Albania e una volta trasferitosi in Grecia, nel processo di naturalizzazione, ha dovuto cambiare il nome in Panagiotis (Gjergji Kone was born in Albania and after he was moved to Greece, due to the naturalisation process he had to change his name to Panagiotis)}}</ref> in ], Albania,<ref>{{Cite web|title = Bologna: ultime notizie - Gazzetta dello Sport|url = http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Squadre/Bologna/notizie/03-09-2011/presentato-kone-voglio-segnare-parecchio-802734476780.shtml|website = www.gazzetta.it|access-date = 2016-01-06| language=it|quote=centrocampista greco di origine albanese (greek midfielder of Albanian origin)}}</ref> and migrated to Greece with his parents Isaac, a ], and Leontina, a ] teacher,<ref name="3March2012">{{cite web|title = Kone, che meraviglia|date = 3 March 2012|url = http://corrieredibologna.corriere.it/bologna/notizie/rossoblu/2012/3-marzo-2012/kone-che-meraviglia-2003532125129.shtml|publisher = Corriere di Bologna}}</ref> and older brother to ] when he was two years old.<ref name=3March2012/><ref name=Sentragoal>{{cite web|title=Αφιέρωμα της FIFA στον Έλληνα της Μπολόνια|url=http://www.sentragoal.gr/article.asp?catid=16489&subid=2&pubid=129329280|website=sentragoal.gr|access-date=14 June 2014}}</ref> He changed his name to Panagiotis as part of the naturalisation process.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Oriundi d'Europa. Ecco come si muove il Vecchio Continente|url = http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/focus-tmw-oriundi-d-europa-ecco-come-si-muove-il-vecchio-continente-661310l|website = tuttomercatoweb.com|language=it|quote=Gjergji Kone è nato in Albania e una volta trasferitosi in Grecia, nel processo di naturalizzazione, ha dovuto cambiare il nome in Panagiotis (Gjergji Kone was born in Albania and after he was moved to Greece, due to the naturalisation process he changed his name to Panagiotis)}}</ref> He has said, regarding his identity and ethnicity, that he is a Greek.<ref name="Sport-fm" /> Some of his relatives still live in Albania and whenever he visits the country, he presents himself as “Kone the Albanian” in order to prevent discrimination.<ref name=Sport-fm>{{cite web | author=Sport-fm | date =4 September 2011 | script-title=el:Κονέ: "Ήρθα σε έναν σύλλογο με φήμη και ιστορία"| publisher= sport-fm.gr |url= http://www.sport-fm.gr/article/498577| access-date=4 September 2011 | language=el|quote=Έχω ακόμα κάποια μέλη της οικογένειάς μου στην Αλβανία, αλλά είναι όλοι τους Έλληνες (Some members of my family still live Albania, ''but they are all Greeks''); (I have not been discriminated, but to prevent it I say "I am Kone, the Albanian")}}</ref> His brother, Sotiris, owns a bar in Athens.<ref name=3March2012/> | |||
| According to Albanian and Italian press he is of ] origin,<ref>{{Cite web|title = Udinese, Kone vola da Stramaccioni|url = http://www.gazzetta.it/Calciomercato/13-08-2014/udinese-kone-stramaccioni-ora-visite-mediche-90129050801.shtml|website = gazzetta.it|language=it|quote=Il centrocampista greco di origine albanese è il regalo per il nuovo centrocampo di Stramaccioni: nelle ultime ore sono stati limati anche gli ultimi dettagli, e oggi ha svolto le visite mediche a Udine, in serata poi è arrivato l'annuncio. (The Greek player of Albanian origin)}}</ref><ref name="Hoxha">{{cite book|author= Florent Hozha|title= Albanian football players around the world|publisher= ADA|page= 180|quote= Ate dite Cana takoi ne fushe nje tjeter futbollist me gjak shqiptar, Panajot Konen e Kombetares Greke. I lindur ne Tirane me emrin Gjergji Kone, ai zgjodhi te luaje per vendin fqinj, edhe pse sipas burimeve familjare dhe dokumentave shteterore, familja Kone jane me origjine te paster shqiptare; te vendosur ne Tirane ne vitin 1987. (That day Cana met with another player of Albanian blood, Panajot Kone of Greece national team. Born in Tirana as Gjergji Kone, he chose to represent Greece national team, even though according to familiar sources and governmental documents the Kone family is of pure Albanian origin; settled in Tirana in 1987)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Serie A, i tre giocatori TOP della 17esima giornata|url = http://www.90min.com/it/posts/90409-serie-a-i-tre-giocatori-top-della-17esima-giornata|website = 90min.com|language=it|quote= Sicuramente è il gol della giornata, che rilancia il Bologna e affossa Mazzarri. Kone è di origine albanese ma di nazionalità greca, e si chiama Panagiotis, proprio come il centrocampista della Roma Tachtsidis, tanto voluto da Zeman. (Kone is of Albanian origin and of Greek citizenship)}}</ref> while he has stated that his family is ethnically ] despite ].<ref>{{cite web | date =4 September 2011 | script-title=el:Κονέ: «Ομάδα με ιστορία η Μπολόνια» | publisher=novasports.gr |url=http://www.novasports.gr/podosfairo/italia/-serie-a/arthro-serie-a/180738/kone-omada-me-istoria-i-bolonia/#.VpuBQKfhl0w| access-date=17 January 2015 | language=el|quote=Έχω ακόμα κάποια μέλη της οικογένειάς μου στην Αλβανία, αλλά είναι όλοι τους Έλληνες (Some members of my family still live Albania, but they are all Greeks)}}</ref> | |||
| Kone began his youth career at the ] youth academy as a young teenager, but moved to France just before his 17th birthday when ] showed interest in him. He was sold to Lens for ]400,000.<ref name="400,000">{{cite web | author=SportEkspres | date =26 August 2010 | title= Futboll: Shqiptar apo grek? Gjergji Kone duhet të vendosë | publisher= kombetarja.com | url= http://kombetarja.com/sporti-lajme.php| access-date=7 March 2011 }}</ref> | |||
| ==Club career== | ==Club career== | ||
| ===AEK=== | ===AEK Athens=== | ||
| After one year with Lens |
After one year with Lens, Kone came back to Greece to join ], signing his first professional contract. He wore the number 10 shirt for the ] as an 18-year-old, but with the arrival of former ] winner ], he changed it to 22. | ||
| ===Iraklis=== | ===Iraklis=== | ||
| Kone moved to ] in 2008 after he was surplus to requirements |
Kone moved to ] in 2008 after he was surplus to requirements at AEK. In his two seasons with the club, he made 49 league appearances and scored eight goals; in 37 of these matches, he either played as a substitute or he was substituted. Although in times he showed football brilliance, the facts that he was rather unstable and the lack of teamwork could not secure him a firm place in Iraklis' starting eleven. | ||
| ===Contract dispute with Iraklis=== | ===Contract dispute with Iraklis=== | ||
| In July 2010 |
In July 2010, Kone trained with Italian side ]<ref>{{cite web|title=Biabiany, Obinna, Suazo: aperto un canale con l'Inter |url=http://www.bresciaoggi.it/stories/Sport/167204__biabiany_obinna_suazo_aperto_un_canale_con_linter/|access-date=2010-07-15}}</ref> despite still being under contract with Iraklis. After this became known to Brescia, Kone no longer trained with the club. He requested and expected to have his contract with Iraklis terminated due to supposed debt by the club to him, but on 22 July 2010, the ] (HFF) decided against the request.<ref>{{cite web|title=Μεγάλη δικαίωση του Ηρακλή στο θέμα Κονέ|url=http://www.bluearena.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5632:2010-07-22-14-40-17&catid=10:podosfairo-iraklis&Itemid=209|access-date=2010-07-22}}</ref> Nonetheless, Iraklis sold him to Brescia for a ]800,000 transfer fee.<ref name="400,000"/> | ||
| ===Brescia |
===Brescia=== | ||
| In July 2010 made an attempt to play for a club outside the Greek borders, |
In July 2010, Kone made an attempt to play for a club outside the Greek borders, signing with ] ahead of the ]. He put in some impressive performances, catching the eye of club management with his technical training, fast pace and strong sense of goal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sport24.gr/football/EllinesExoterikou/entypwsiazei_me_thn_mpresia_o_kone.458286.html|title=Εντυπωσιάζει με την Μπρέσια ο Κονέ|publisher= sport24.gr |access-date=2010-08-09}}</ref> Following Brescia's relegation after finishing 19th in ], however, he signed with ] on loan for the ], with an option to make the loan permanent. | ||
| ===Bologna=== | |||
| Kone arrives initially on a temporary basis, but ]'s men will have the option to buy him permanently next summer, although financial details of the deal remain undisclosed. The Serie A outfit were desperately seeking a replacement for the recently departed ], after he completed his move to ], but they have acted quickly to snap up the 24-year-old. Kone, who can also play on the right wing, is a full Greece international, with four caps to his name and was a regular starter for Brescia, who were relegated to Serie B last season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2011/09/01/2645985/official-bologna-sign-brescias-panagiotis-kone-on-loan|title=Bologna sign Brescia's Panagiotis Kone on loan|publisher= goal.com|accessdate=2011-09-01}}</ref> | |||
| Kone initially arrived at Bologna on a temporary basis as a replacement for the recently departed ], who had moved to ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2011/09/01/2645985/official-bologna-sign-brescias-panagiotis-kone-on-loan|title=Bologna sign Brescia's Panagiotis Kone on loan|publisher= goal.com|access-date=2011-09-01}}</ref> | |||
| In June 2013, Bologna |
In June 2013, Bologna officially reached a deal to buy-out Brescia's 50 percent ownership of Kone for a €1.6 million fee. At the time, he was co-owned by the two clubs. Prior to the deal, negotiations between the two had been troubled and there were fears the matter would go to a blind auction over the summer of 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/35300/official-bologna-secure-kone|title=Bologna secure Kone|publisher= football-italia.net|access-date=2013-06-13}}</ref> Shortly after the deal, Kone extended his contract with Bologna until June 2017. The Greek attacking midfielder has made his name in Italy with some truly spectacular goals, notably a scissor-kick volley against ] last season at the ] which gave his side all three points in a 2–3 away victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/09/kone-signs-new-contract-with-bologna/|title=Kone signs new contract with Bologna|publisher= forzaitalianfootball.com|access-date=2013-09-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/ballondor/news/newsid=2220663/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112220108/http://www.fifa.com/ballondor/news/newsid=2220663/|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 November 2013|title=FIFA Puskás Award: Ten best goals of the year announced|publisher= fifa.com|access-date=2013-11-11}}</ref> | ||
| On 24 November 2013, Kone scored his first goal of the ] in a 1–1 home draw against ], finding the net in the 12th minute.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/uk/en/report/377186/inter-drop-pace|title=Bologna 1 - Internazionale 1|publisher= espnfc.com|date=2013-11-24}}</ref> In the penultimate matchday on 11 May 2014, Bologna, after a 1–2 home loss to ], were relegated to ]. After the defeat, 300 Bologna fans surrounded the squad and prevented them from reaching manager ], instead screaming for contracts to be torn up over a cordon of riot police. Captain Kone—as one of a few players to emerge from the season with any value at all—was consoled by a supporter after breaking down in tears in the melee. "The dressing room is destroyed, we are mortified. Kone has been crying alone on the pitch," coach Ballardini was quoted as saying in '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/5/13/5712924/bologna-relegation-serie-a|title=Bologna's sad demise|publisher= sbnation.com|access-date=13 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2014/05/disgruntled-supporters-reduce-bologna-forward-kone-to-tears/|title=Disgruntled supporters reduce Bologna forward Kone to tears|publisher= forzaitalianfootball.com|date= 12 May 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Kone has officially extended his contract with ] side Bologna until June 2017. Bologna released a statement confirming the player had put pen to paper on a new contract keeping him at the club for another fours years. The Greek attacking midfielder has made his name in Italy with some truly spectacular goals, notably a scissor-kick volley against ] last season at the San Paolo which gave his side all three points.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/09/kone-signs-new-contract-with-bologna/|title=Kone signs new contract with Bologna|publisher= forzaitalianfootball.com|accessdate=2013-09-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fifa.com/ballondor/news/newsid=2220663/|title=FIFA Puskás Award: Ten best goals of the year announced|publisher= fifa.com|accessdate=2013-11-11}}</ref> | |||
| Following the demotion, reports in Italy suggested that Palermo were keen to sign Kone, hoping to close the deal before the ]. Despite Bologna asking ]5.6 million for Kone, Palermo offered around ]3 million, but were also exploring the idea of a loan move with the option to buy-out the next year. The possibility of including players as compensation was also explored.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/calcio_mercato/2014/05/24-362471/Calciomercato,+Palermo+guarda+Bologna%3A+interessa+il+greco+Kone|title=Calciomercato, Palermo guarda Bologna: interessa il greco Kone|publisher= corrieredellosport.it|date= 24 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sport24.gr/football/EllinesExoterikou/kone_o_prwtos_stoxos_ths_palermo.2804720.html|title=Κονέ, ο πρώτος στόχος της Παλέρμο|publisher= sport24.gr|date= 24 May 2014}}</ref> Additionally, according to '']'', ] management were ready to make their decisive move for Kone due to ]'s will.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.transfermarketweb.com/?action=read&idsel=139295|title=Decisive move for Kone ready|publisher= transfermarketweb.com|date= 19 May 2014}}</ref> | |||
| On 24 November 2013, he scored his first goal for the season 2013/14 in a home 1-1 against ]. Inter went behind to a Panagiotis Kone strike after 12 minutes and, although they levelled through ]'s deflected effort in the 51st minute, the Nerazzuri could not force a winner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/uk/en/report/377186/inter-drop-pace|title=Bologna 1 - Internazionale 1|publisher= espnfc.com|date=2013-11-24}}</ref> | |||
| ===Udinese=== | |||
| On Sunday 11 May 2014, no one could possibly been able to discern that ] one of ]'s historic giants, after a dreary 2-1 home loss to ] plunged them into the second tier, but the Emilian club's seven scudetti would suggest otherwise. After the first round of the season, gradually slumped further into the relegation mess until results on the season's penultimate matchday condemned them to ]. At the end of their defeat 300 Bologna fans surrounded the team and prevented it from reaching the coach, instead screaming for contracts to be torn up over a cordon of riot police. Captain Kone—as one of a few players to emerge from the season with any value at all—was consoled by a supporter after breaking down in tears in the melee. ''"The dressing room is destroyed, we are mortified. Kone has been crying alone on the pitch,"'' coach ] is quoted as saying in La Gazzetta dello Sport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/5/13/5712924/bologna-relegation-serie-a|title=Bologna's sad demise|publisher= sbnation.com|accessdate=13 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2014/05/disgruntled-supporters-reduce-bologna-forward-kone-to-tears/|title=Disgruntled supporters reduce Bologna forward Kone to tears|publisher= forzaitalianfootball.com|date= 12 May 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Despite Palermo and Torino's interest, ] confirmed the signing of Kone. No details were provided concerning the transfer fee or any contract details.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/udinese/transfer-talk/news/kone-completes-udinese-move_171024.html|title=Panagiotis Kone completes Udinese move|publisher= sportsmole.co.uk|date= 13 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| On 22 January 2015, Kone scored the equalizing goal—a fierce, low volley—in the ] against ] ] in extra time. After the 2–2 draw, however, ten-man Udinese were eliminated in the subsequent penalty shoot-out. During extra time, Kone also threatened to score the winner when pouncing on a ] error, forcing goalkeeper ] into a save at full stretch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/61613/coppa-napoli-shoot-out-sinks-udinese|title=Coppa: Napoli shoot-out sinks Udinese|publisher= football-italia.net|date= 22 January 2015}}</ref> On 22 March, Kone scored his first Serie A goal with Udinese, coming against ]. After the match, he said to Udinese Channel, "My goal was important for the team, certainly did not deserve to lose this game because, beyond the first 10 minutes of the second half, we played a great game. We are a group full of young kids, I make compliments to the coach as he read the game and for the changes it made because it allowed us to play better in a difficult moment. Against Torino and Fiorentina I think we played very well and our team is growing every day. Do not forget that this is only the first year of this project."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/news/udinese-kone-ieri-ottima-partita-mio-gol-importante-487817|title=Udinese, Kone: 'Ieri ottima partita, mio gol importante'|publisher= calciomercato.com|date= 23 March 2015}}</ref> | |||
| Reports in Italy suggests that ] keeping an eye to Greek midfielder. ] wants to place the first shot ahead of the ]. The objective is to define the deal before the ]. The Bolognese asking ]5.6 million for Kone. Zamparini is in a hurry because the World Cup could make up the price of the player. The offer of Palermo is about ]3 million but are also fascinated by the hypothesis of the loan with the right of buying out next year. There is the possibility of including players as a compensation technique for example some players from Primavera who are put on display this year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/calcio_mercato/2014/05/24-362471/Calciomercato,+Palermo+guarda+Bologna%3A+interessa+il+greco+Kone|title=Calciomercato, Palermo guarda Bologna: interessa il greco Kone|publisher= corrieredellosport.it|date= 24 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sport24.gr/football/EllinesExoterikou/kone_o_prwtos_stoxos_ths_palermo.2804720.html|title=Κονέ, ο πρώτος στόχος της Παλέρμο|publisher= sport24.gr|date= 24 May 2014}}</ref> Furthermore, according to ], ] management are ready to make their decisive move for signing the Greek international offensive midfielder due to ]'s will.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.transfermarketweb.com/?action=read&idsel=139295|title=Decisive move for Kone ready|publisher= transfermarketweb.com|date= 19 May 2014}}</ref> | |||
| On 23 August 2015, in the opening match of the ] season, Kone, as a substitute, helped Udinese stop ]' 47-game unbeaten streak at home in the league by providing an assist to teammate ] in an eventual 0–1 away win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/23-08-2015/serie-a-juventus-udinese-0-1-decide-thereau-campioni-d-italia-cadono-1201057441546.shtml|title=Juventus - Udinese0-1|publisher= gazzetta.it|date= 23 August 2015}}</ref> On 13 October 2015, Udinese confirmed that Kone suffered a calf injury while on international duty with Greece and would be out of action for {{frac|2|1|2}} months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/74268/udinese-lose-kone-injury |title=Udinese lose Kone to injury |publisher= football-italia.net |date= 13 October 2015}}</ref> On 17 December 2015, Kone made his return to the team, scoring an impressive goal against ] in the ]; controlling a cross with his heel, he swung his leg around and acrobatically flicked the ball into the top-left hand corner of the goal. Despite the individual effort, however, Lazio prevailed 2–1, knocking Udinese out of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/football-lazio-set-up/2357290.html |title=Lazio set up Italian Cup quarter-final with Juventus |publisher= channelnewsasia.com|date= 17 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/sport/calcio/2015/12/17/coppa-italia-lazio-udinese-e-sampdoria-milan_d152c264-9ed4-41f6-b498-9fa43f252e8d.html|title=Coppa Italia: Lazio-Udinese 2-1, troverà la Juventus ai quarti. L'ira dei friuliani |publisher= ansa.it|date= 17 December 2015}}</ref> On 24 January 2016, Kone almost 4 months since his last appearance with the club in ], played again as a substitute for ] in a 4–1 away loss against ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/report?gameId=432068 |title=Guillermo Barros Schelotto off the mark as Palermo hammer Udinese|publisher= espn.co.uk|date= 24 January 2016}}</ref> | |||
| ===Udinese=== | |||
| Udinese have confirmed the signing of Panagiotis Kone from ].The Greek international had been linked with a move away from the Rossoblu, following the club's relegation from ] last season.No details have been given concerning the transfer fee or any contract details.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/udinese/transfer-talk/news/kone-completes-udinese-move_171024.html|title=Panagiotis Kone completes Udinese move|publisher= sportsmole.co.uk|date= 13 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| He started the ], filled with last year's injuries including a painful experience to ]. Kone has returned to Udinese without having played a competitive match and a trust to be rebuilt. Slowly proved to coach ] that he reached on a good physical level and has given greater awareness in their own ability. Physically, the form is still to find, as well as the race pace. However the fans appreciated his entrance against ] in the tactical aspect, as he helped the club stopping being anxious and hasty in control of the race and the team seemed more compact.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttoudinese.it/focus/kone-verso-la-riconferma-un-recupero-prezioso-per-iachini-47771 |title=Kone verso la riconferma: un recupero prezioso per Iachini |publisher= tuttoudinese.it |date= 30 August 2016}}</ref> On 12 October 2016, ] has announced that kone has suffered from dislocated shoulder, without be certain for the day of his return. | |||
| On January 22, 2015 ] holders ] only eliminated 10-man Udinese in a penalty shoot-out after a thrilling 2-2 draw, when Kone equalized the score with another fantastic goal, smacking a fierce shot on the volley that he kept remarkably low in the over-time.The Greek midfielder has history at the San Paolo, scoring a legendary scissor-kick volley for ]’s 3-2 victory here in 2013. Kone during the over-time threatened another when pouncing on a ] error, forcing ] into a save at full stretch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/61613/coppa-napoli-shoot-out-sinks-udinese|title=Coppa: Napoli shoot-out sinks Udinese|publisher= football-italia.net|date= 22 January 2015}}</ref> | |||
| ====ACF Fiorentina==== | |||
| On March 22, 2015 Panagiotis Kone has scored his first goal with Udinese, against ]. After the race, he has spoken to Udinese Channel : ''"My goal was important for the team, certainly did not deserve to lose this game because, beyond the first 10 minutes of the second half, we played a great game. We are a group full of young kids, I make compliments to the coach as he read the game and for the changes it made because it allowed us to play better in a difficult moment. Against Torino and Fiorentina I think we played very well and our team is growing every day. Do not forget that this is only the first year of this project." ''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/news/udinese-kone-ieri-ottima-partita-mio-gol-importante-487817|title=Udinese, Kone: 'Ieri ottima partita, mio gol importante'|publisher= www.calciomercato.com|date= 23 March 2015}}</ref> | |||
| On 31 January 2016, Kone joined ] on a loan with the right of redemption from Udinese.<ref></ref> The deal is for an initial loan, but ] confirmed on their official website that Fiorentina will have the option to buy. Former Bologna midfielder Kone has struggled with injury problems this season, making only five league appearances for Udinese as a result.<ref></ref> | |||
| On 4 February 2016, Kone poked surprising from Fiorentina's ] squad, a surprise for the midfielder as has been dropped from ], coach of the club.<ref></ref> | |||
| Panagiotis Kone made his Fiorentina debut in the Serie A match away to ] as an 82nd-minute substitute for ] on 10 April 2016.<ref></ref> | |||
| ====Granada==== | |||
| On 19 January 2017, Kone was loaned to ] club ], for six months.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.novasports.gr/podosfairo/ispania/primera-division/article/308405/daneikos-sti-granada-o-panagiotis-kone/ |script-title=el:Δανεικός στη Γρανάδα ο Παναγιώτης Κονέ |website=novasports.gr |language=el}}</ref><ref></ref> | |||
| ====Return to AEK==== | |||
| On 30 August 2017 ] reached an agreement with ] for the return of the international midfielder on a season-long loan.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.gr/football/article/1130652/trehei-kai-teleionei-toy-kone-i-aek |script-title=el:Τελειώνει του Κονέ στην ΑΕΚ!|access-date=2017-08-30|language=el}}</ref> On 23 November 2017, almost 8 months after his last appearance in the field, Kone came as a substitute in a home 2–2 ] home game against ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sport24.gr/football/EuropaLeague/emeine-zwntanh-h-aek-2-2-me-th-rieka.4952926.html |script-title=el:Έμεινε ζωντανή η ΑΕΚ|access-date=23 November 2017|language=el}}</ref> On 11 December 2017 Kone scored his first goal for the club after 10 years in a 3–1 home win against ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.gr/football/article/1172487/aek-kerkyra-3-1-vid |script-title=el:Εύκολη επικράτηση για την ΑΕΚ!|access-date=2017-12-11|language=el}}</ref> | |||
| After his loan, Kone has returned to ], but the administration of AEK is still expecting experienced Greek international attacking midfielder to be released from the Italian club. Kone made 20 performances in all competitions with the champions of Greece during ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sdna.gr/podosfairo/superleague/article/490606/enoxlimenoi-me-kone-stin-aek |script-title=el:Ενοχλημένοι με Κονέ στην ΑΕΚ |date=17 July 2018|language=el}}</ref> | |||
| On 31 August 2018 he mutually solved his contract with ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sport24.gr/football/EllinesExoterikou/o-kone-emeine-eleutheros-apo-thn-oyntineze.5297742.html |script-title=el:Ο Κονέ έμεινε ελεύθερος από την Ουντινέζε |date=31 August 2018|language=el}}</ref> | |||
| ===Western United=== | |||
| On 31 January 2019, Kone became the first signing for new ] side ] ahead of their inaugural season in a 2-year marquee deal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://myaccount.news.com.au/sites/heraldsun/subscribe.html?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a&mode=premium&dest=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/a-league/new-aleague-club-western-melbourne-locks-in-greek-star-panagiotis-kone-as-marquee-man/news-story/b3e05e27123f4e73d06f99b87fb88b26&nk=547674b6f159b20a8e96c374ccda6b32-1548941676&memtype=anonymous|title=Heraldsun.com.au {{!}} Subscribe to the Herald Sun for exclusive stories|website=myaccount.news.com.au|access-date=2019-01-31}}</ref> | |||
| ==International career== | ==International career== | ||
| ]'s ] in an August 2013 friendly]] | |||
| Kone has represented ] at youth level. Shortly after signing for Brescia the new Greece coach ] called him up for Euro 2012 qualifying matches against Georgia and Croatia. On 17 November 2010, Kone debuted for the Greece National team in 1–2 friendly international away win against Austria. He played the entire first half before being replaced.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=|title=Αυστρία-Ελλάδα 1–2 (τελικό)|url=http://www.epo.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18081|accessdate=2010-11-18}}</ref> | |||
| Kone has represented ] at the youth level. Shortly after signing for Brescia, new Greece coach ] called him up for ] matches against ] and ]. On 17 November 2010, Kone debuted for the senior national team in a 1–2 friendly away win over ]. He played the entire first half before being replaced.<ref>{{cite web|title=Αυστρία-Ελλάδα 1–2 (τελικό)|url=http://www.epo.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18081|access-date=2010-11-18}}</ref> | |||
| Kone was named in the provisional squad for ]. On 26 May 2012, he was sent-off during Greece's 1–1 draw with ] in a pre-tournament friendly. "What happened with Kone is a shame. Sometimes in the heat of the match we lose our minds," Santos explained after the draw. Kone was eventually excluded from Greece's final 23-man squad.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/18246936|publisher=bbc.com|title=Euro 2012: Panagiotis Kone dropped from Greece squad|date=2012-05-29}}</ref> | |||
| Two years later, Kone's exceptional season year with |
Two years later, Kone's exceptional season year with Bologna helped convince Santos to include the player in both the 30-man provisional World Cup squad and final 23-man squad for the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/greece/10810255/Greece-World-Cup-2014-squad.html|work=telegraph|title=Greece World Cup 2014 squad|date=19 May 2014}}</ref> On 7 June 2014, he scored his first goal with the Greece in a 2–1 friendly victory against ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sport24.gr/football/mundial/mountial_2014/ellada_-_volivia_2-1.2830426.html|publisher=sport24.gr|title=Ελλάδα - Βολιβία 2-1|date=7 June 2014}}</ref> | ||
| On 15 June 2015, Kone, as a Greek player, sparked controversy after a photograph surfaced showed him just one day after Greece's ] to the ] making an Albanian gesture, putting him under scrutiny.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sdna.gr/gr/news-in-english/arthro-news-in-english/44874/kone-sparks-controversy-for-making-albanian-gesture/|publisher=sdna.gr|title=Kone sparks controversy for making Albanian gesture |date=15 June 2015}}</ref> | |||
| On 20 November 2014, Panagiotis Kone is probably hoping he'll never have to encounter ] on a football pitch for a long time after the latter recently reduced him to tears. The incident occurred during Greece's 2-0 friendly defeat at home to ], when after being struck in the face by a late Matic challenge midway through the second half, he reacted furiously by preparing himself to launch a punch towards the towering 26-year-old.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2842662/Panagiotis-Kone-breaks-tears-threatening-punch-Nemanja-Matic-Greece-s-friendly-defeat-against-Serbia.html|publisher=dailymail.co.uk|title=Panagiotis Kone breaks down in tears after threatening to punch Nemanja Matic |date=20 November 2014}}</ref> | |||
| On 11 October 2015, Kone scored in a dramatic 4–3 win over ] for ], meeting a ] cross to net a powerful header. It was the first and only win for Greece in qualifying, where it finished last in Group F, meaning it will miss out on the final tournament.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/match-report/309143/greece-v-hungary|publisher=sportinglife.com |title=Greece - Hungary 4-3 |date=11 October 2015}}</ref> | |||
| ==International goals== | |||
| ==Career statistics== | |||
| ===International goals=== | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| ! # !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition | ! # !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | 1. || 7 June 2014 || ], ], United States || {{fb|Bolivia}} || 2–1 || Win || ] | | 1. || 7 June 2014 || ], ], United States || {{fb|Bolivia}} || 2–1 || Win || ] | ||
| |- | |||
| | 2. || 11 October 2015|| ], ], Greece|| {{fb|Hungary}} || 4–3 || Win || ] | |||
| |} | |} | ||
| ==Honours== | |||
| '''AEK Athens''' | |||
| *]: ] | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
| {{ |
{{reflist}} | ||
| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
| {{commons category}} | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| {{Greece squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}} | {{Greece squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}} | ||
| {{Udinese Calcio squad}} | |||
| {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2011}} | |||
| {{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see ]. --> | |||
| | NAME = Kone, Panagiotis | |||
| | ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Koni, Panajot Gjergj | |||
| | SHORT DESCRIPTION = footballer | |||
| | DATE OF BIRTH = 26 July 1987 | |||
| | PLACE OF BIRTH = ], ] | |||
| | DATE OF DEATH = | |||
| | PLACE OF DEATH = | |||
| }} | |||
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Kone, Panagiotis}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Kone, Panagiotis}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 22:37, 20 November 2024
Greek footballer
 Kone with Greece in 2013 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth name | Gjergji Kone | ||
| Date of birth | (1987-07-26) 26 July 1987 (age 37) | ||
| Place of birth | Tirana, Albania | ||
| Height | 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Attacking midfielder | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1999–2004 | Olympiacos | ||
| 2004–2005 | Lens | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2005–2008 | AEK Athens | 24 | (2) |
| 2008–2010 | Iraklis | 49 | (8) |
| 2010–2012 | Brescia | 31 | (1) |
| 2011–2012 | → Bologna (loan) | 31 | (1) |
| 2012–2014 | Bologna | 59 | (11) |
| 2014–2018 | Udinese | 38 | (1) |
| 2016 | → Fiorentina (loan) | 1 | (0) |
| 2017 | → Granada (loan) | 2 | (0) |
| 2017–2018 | → AEK Athens (loan) | 13 | (1) |
| 2019–2020 | Western United | 15 | (2) |
| Total | 263 | (27) | |
| International career | |||
| 2006 | Greece U19 | 4 | (1) |
| 2006–2007 | Greece U21 | 8 | (0) |
| 2010–2015 | Greece | 28 | (2) |
| Managerial career | |||
| 2020–2022 | AEK Athens (Technical Director) | ||
| 2022–2024 | AEK Athens (Executive Director) | ||
|
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 03:29, 23 February 2020 (UTC). ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 24 October 2015 | |||
Panagiotis Kone (Greek: Παναγιώτης Κονέ, born 26 July 1987) is a Greek former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder.
Kone started playing football in the youth ranks of Olympiacos, from where he moved to Lens' youth team. He started professional football in AEK Athens before moving to Iraklis in 2008. After two seasons with the club, Kone moved to Serie A club Brescia. After one season in Brescia, he moved to Bologna in 2011 on loan, then transferred permanently to the club in 2012.
He then signed for Udinese in 2014. After loan spells with Fiorentina, Granada and AEK Athens, Kone left Udinese in August 2018.
Kone represented Greece at various youth levels before making his senior debut in 2010. He was a member of the Greece squad that played in the 2014 World Cup.
Early life
He was born as Gjergji Kone in Tirana, Albania, and migrated to Greece with his parents Isaac, a biologist, and Leontina, a piano teacher, and older brother to Athens when he was two years old. He changed his name to Panagiotis as part of the naturalisation process. He has said, regarding his identity and ethnicity, that he is a Greek. Some of his relatives still live in Albania and whenever he visits the country, he presents himself as “Kone the Albanian” in order to prevent discrimination. His brother, Sotiris, owns a bar in Athens.
According to Albanian and Italian press he is of Albanian origin, while he has stated that his family is ethnically Greek despite coming from Albania.
Kone began his youth career at the Olympiacos youth academy as a young teenager, but moved to France just before his 17th birthday when Lens showed interest in him. He was sold to Lens for €400,000.
Club career
AEK Athens
After one year with Lens, Kone came back to Greece to join AEK Athens, signing his first professional contract. He wore the number 10 shirt for the 2005–06 season as an 18-year-old, but with the arrival of former Ballon d'Or winner Rivaldo, he changed it to 22.
Iraklis
Kone moved to Iraklis in 2008 after he was surplus to requirements at AEK. In his two seasons with the club, he made 49 league appearances and scored eight goals; in 37 of these matches, he either played as a substitute or he was substituted. Although in times he showed football brilliance, the facts that he was rather unstable and the lack of teamwork could not secure him a firm place in Iraklis' starting eleven.
Contract dispute with Iraklis
In July 2010, Kone trained with Italian side Brescia despite still being under contract with Iraklis. After this became known to Brescia, Kone no longer trained with the club. He requested and expected to have his contract with Iraklis terminated due to supposed debt by the club to him, but on 22 July 2010, the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF) decided against the request. Nonetheless, Iraklis sold him to Brescia for a €800,000 transfer fee.
Brescia
In July 2010, Kone made an attempt to play for a club outside the Greek borders, signing with Brescia Calcio ahead of the 2010–11 Serie B season. He put in some impressive performances, catching the eye of club management with his technical training, fast pace and strong sense of goal. Following Brescia's relegation after finishing 19th in 2010–11, however, he signed with Bologna on loan for the 2011–12 season, with an option to make the loan permanent.
Bologna
Kone initially arrived at Bologna on a temporary basis as a replacement for the recently departed Francesco Della Rocca, who had moved to Palermo.
In June 2013, Bologna officially reached a deal to buy-out Brescia's 50 percent ownership of Kone for a €1.6 million fee. At the time, he was co-owned by the two clubs. Prior to the deal, negotiations between the two had been troubled and there were fears the matter would go to a blind auction over the summer of 2013. Shortly after the deal, Kone extended his contract with Bologna until June 2017. The Greek attacking midfielder has made his name in Italy with some truly spectacular goals, notably a scissor-kick volley against Napoli last season at the Stadio San Paolo which gave his side all three points in a 2–3 away victory.
On 24 November 2013, Kone scored his first goal of the 2013–14 season in a 1–1 home draw against Internazionale, finding the net in the 12th minute. In the penultimate matchday on 11 May 2014, Bologna, after a 1–2 home loss to Catania, were relegated to Serie B. After the defeat, 300 Bologna fans surrounded the squad and prevented them from reaching manager Davide Ballardini, instead screaming for contracts to be torn up over a cordon of riot police. Captain Kone—as one of a few players to emerge from the season with any value at all—was consoled by a supporter after breaking down in tears in the melee. "The dressing room is destroyed, we are mortified. Kone has been crying alone on the pitch," coach Ballardini was quoted as saying in La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Following the demotion, reports in Italy suggested that Palermo were keen to sign Kone, hoping to close the deal before the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Despite Bologna asking €5.6 million for Kone, Palermo offered around €3 million, but were also exploring the idea of a loan move with the option to buy-out the next year. The possibility of including players as compensation was also explored. Additionally, according to Tuttosport, Torino management were ready to make their decisive move for Kone due to Giampiero Ventura's will.
Udinese
Despite Palermo and Torino's interest, Udinese confirmed the signing of Kone. No details were provided concerning the transfer fee or any contract details.
On 22 January 2015, Kone scored the equalizing goal—a fierce, low volley—in the 2014–15 Coppa Italia against reigning champions Napoli in extra time. After the 2–2 draw, however, ten-man Udinese were eliminated in the subsequent penalty shoot-out. During extra time, Kone also threatened to score the winner when pouncing on a Miguel Britos error, forcing goalkeeper Mariano Andújar into a save at full stretch. On 22 March, Kone scored his first Serie A goal with Udinese, coming against Fiorentina. After the match, he said to Udinese Channel, "My goal was important for the team, certainly did not deserve to lose this game because, beyond the first 10 minutes of the second half, we played a great game. We are a group full of young kids, I make compliments to the coach as he read the game and for the changes it made because it allowed us to play better in a difficult moment. Against Torino and Fiorentina I think we played very well and our team is growing every day. Do not forget that this is only the first year of this project."
On 23 August 2015, in the opening match of the 2015–16 Serie A season, Kone, as a substitute, helped Udinese stop Juventus' 47-game unbeaten streak at home in the league by providing an assist to teammate Cyril Théréau in an eventual 0–1 away win. On 13 October 2015, Udinese confirmed that Kone suffered a calf injury while on international duty with Greece and would be out of action for 2+1⁄2 months. On 17 December 2015, Kone made his return to the team, scoring an impressive goal against Lazio in the 2015–16 Coppa Italia; controlling a cross with his heel, he swung his leg around and acrobatically flicked the ball into the top-left hand corner of the goal. Despite the individual effort, however, Lazio prevailed 2–1, knocking Udinese out of the tournament. On 24 January 2016, Kone almost 4 months since his last appearance with the club in Serie A, played again as a substitute for Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu in a 4–1 away loss against Palermo.
He started the 2016-17 season, filled with last year's injuries including a painful experience to Fiorentina. Kone has returned to Udinese without having played a competitive match and a trust to be rebuilt. Slowly proved to coach Giuseppe Iachini that he reached on a good physical level and has given greater awareness in their own ability. Physically, the form is still to find, as well as the race pace. However the fans appreciated his entrance against Empoli in the tactical aspect, as he helped the club stopping being anxious and hasty in control of the race and the team seemed more compact. On 12 October 2016, Udinese has announced that kone has suffered from dislocated shoulder, without be certain for the day of his return.
ACF Fiorentina
On 31 January 2016, Kone joined Fiorentina on a loan with the right of redemption from Udinese. The deal is for an initial loan, but Udinese confirmed on their official website that Fiorentina will have the option to buy. Former Bologna midfielder Kone has struggled with injury problems this season, making only five league appearances for Udinese as a result. On 4 February 2016, Kone poked surprising from Fiorentina's UEFA Europa League squad, a surprise for the midfielder as has been dropped from Paulo Sousa, coach of the club. Panagiotis Kone made his Fiorentina debut in the Serie A match away to Empoli as an 82nd-minute substitute for Josip Ilicic on 10 April 2016.
Granada
On 19 January 2017, Kone was loaned to La liga club Granada, for six months.
Return to AEK
On 30 August 2017 AEK reached an agreement with Udinese for the return of the international midfielder on a season-long loan. On 23 November 2017, almost 8 months after his last appearance in the field, Kone came as a substitute in a home 2–2 UEFA Europa League group stage home game against Rijeka. On 11 December 2017 Kone scored his first goal for the club after 10 years in a 3–1 home win against Kerkyra.
After his loan, Kone has returned to Udinese, but the administration of AEK is still expecting experienced Greek international attacking midfielder to be released from the Italian club. Kone made 20 performances in all competitions with the champions of Greece during 2017–18 season.
On 31 August 2018 he mutually solved his contract with Udinese.
Western United
On 31 January 2019, Kone became the first signing for new A-League side Western United FC ahead of their inaugural season in a 2-year marquee deal.
International career
Kone has represented Greece at the youth level. Shortly after signing for Brescia, new Greece coach Fernando Santos called him up for UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying matches against Georgia and Croatia. On 17 November 2010, Kone debuted for the senior national team in a 1–2 friendly away win over Austria. He played the entire first half before being replaced.
Kone was named in the provisional squad for UEFA Euro 2012. On 26 May 2012, he was sent-off during Greece's 1–1 draw with Slovenia in a pre-tournament friendly. "What happened with Kone is a shame. Sometimes in the heat of the match we lose our minds," Santos explained after the draw. Kone was eventually excluded from Greece's final 23-man squad.
Two years later, Kone's exceptional season year with Bologna helped convince Santos to include the player in both the 30-man provisional World Cup squad and final 23-man squad for the 2014 World Cup. On 7 June 2014, he scored his first goal with the Greece in a 2–1 friendly victory against Bolivia.
On 15 June 2015, Kone, as a Greek player, sparked controversy after a photograph surfaced showed him just one day after Greece's humiliating 1–2 defeat to the Faroe Islands making an Albanian gesture, putting him under scrutiny.
On 11 October 2015, Kone scored in a dramatic 4–3 win over Hungary for UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying, meeting a José Holebas cross to net a powerful header. It was the first and only win for Greece in qualifying, where it finished last in Group F, meaning it will miss out on the final tournament.
Career statistics
International goals
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 7 June 2014 | Red Bull Arena, Harrison, United States |  Bolivia |
2–1 | Win | Friendly Match |
| 2. | 11 October 2015 | Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus, Greece |  Hungary |
4–3 | Win | Euro 2016 Qualifying Match |
Honours
AEK Athens
References
- "PANAGIOTIS KONE \\ Technical Director". www.aekfc.gr. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
- "Oriundi d'Europa. Ecco come si muove il Vecchio Continente". tuttomercatoweb.com (in Italian).
Gjergji Kone è nato in Albania e una volta trasferitosi in Grecia, nel processo di naturalizzazione, ha dovuto cambiare il nome in Panagiotis (Gjergji Kone was born in Albania and after he was moved to Greece, due to the naturalisation process he had to change his name to Panagiotis)
- "Bologna: ultime notizie - Gazzetta dello Sport". www.gazzetta.it (in Italian). Retrieved 6 January 2016.
centrocampista greco di origine albanese (greek midfielder of Albanian origin)
- ^ "Kone, che meraviglia". Corriere di Bologna. 3 March 2012.
- "Αφιέρωμα της FIFA στον Έλληνα της Μπολόνια". sentragoal.gr. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
- "Oriundi d'Europa. Ecco come si muove il Vecchio Continente". tuttomercatoweb.com (in Italian).
Gjergji Kone è nato in Albania e una volta trasferitosi in Grecia, nel processo di naturalizzazione, ha dovuto cambiare il nome in Panagiotis (Gjergji Kone was born in Albania and after he was moved to Greece, due to the naturalisation process he changed his name to Panagiotis)
- ^ Sport-fm (4 September 2011). Κονέ: "Ήρθα σε έναν σύλλογο με φήμη και ιστορία" (in Greek). sport-fm.gr. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
Έχω ακόμα κάποια μέλη της οικογένειάς μου στην Αλβανία, αλλά είναι όλοι τους Έλληνες (Some members of my family still live Albania, but they are all Greeks); (I have not been discriminated, but to prevent it I say "I am Kone, the Albanian")
- "Udinese, Kone vola da Stramaccioni". gazzetta.it (in Italian).
Il centrocampista greco di origine albanese è il regalo per il nuovo centrocampo di Stramaccioni: nelle ultime ore sono stati limati anche gli ultimi dettagli, e oggi ha svolto le visite mediche a Udine, in serata poi è arrivato l'annuncio. (The Greek player of Albanian origin)
- Florent Hozha. Albanian football players around the world. ADA. p. 180.
Ate dite Cana takoi ne fushe nje tjeter futbollist me gjak shqiptar, Panajot Konen e Kombetares Greke. I lindur ne Tirane me emrin Gjergji Kone, ai zgjodhi te luaje per vendin fqinj, edhe pse sipas burimeve familjare dhe dokumentave shteterore, familja Kone jane me origjine te paster shqiptare; te vendosur ne Tirane ne vitin 1987. (That day Cana met with another player of Albanian blood, Panajot Kone of Greece national team. Born in Tirana as Gjergji Kone, he chose to represent Greece national team, even though according to familiar sources and governmental documents the Kone family is of pure Albanian origin; settled in Tirana in 1987)
- "Serie A, i tre giocatori TOP della 17esima giornata". 90min.com (in Italian).
Sicuramente è il gol della giornata, che rilancia il Bologna e affossa Mazzarri. Kone è di origine albanese ma di nazionalità greca, e si chiama Panagiotis, proprio come il centrocampista della Roma Tachtsidis, tanto voluto da Zeman. (Kone is of Albanian origin and of Greek citizenship)
- Κονέ: «Ομάδα με ιστορία η Μπολόνια» (in Greek). novasports.gr. 4 September 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
Έχω ακόμα κάποια μέλη της οικογένειάς μου στην Αλβανία, αλλά είναι όλοι τους Έλληνες (Some members of my family still live Albania, but they are all Greeks)
- ^ SportEkspres (26 August 2010). "Futboll: Shqiptar apo grek? Gjergji Kone duhet të vendosë". kombetarja.com. Retrieved 7 March 2011.
- "Biabiany, Obinna, Suazo: aperto un canale con l'Inter". Retrieved 15 July 2010.
- "Μεγάλη δικαίωση του Ηρακλή στο θέμα Κονέ". Retrieved 22 July 2010.
- "Εντυπωσιάζει με την Μπρέσια ο Κονέ". sport24.gr. Retrieved 9 August 2010.
- "Bologna sign Brescia's Panagiotis Kone on loan". goal.com. Retrieved 1 September 2011.
- "Bologna secure Kone". football-italia.net. Retrieved 13 June 2013.
- "Kone signs new contract with Bologna". forzaitalianfootball.com. Retrieved 21 September 2013.
- "FIFA Puskás Award: Ten best goals of the year announced". fifa.com. Archived from the original on 12 November 2013. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
- "Bologna 1 - Internazionale 1". espnfc.com. 24 November 2013.
- "Bologna's sad demise". sbnation.com. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
- "Disgruntled supporters reduce Bologna forward Kone to tears". forzaitalianfootball.com. 12 May 2014.
- "Calciomercato, Palermo guarda Bologna: interessa il greco Kone". corrieredellosport.it. 24 May 2014.
- "Κονέ, ο πρώτος στόχος της Παλέρμο". sport24.gr. 24 May 2014.
- "Decisive move for Kone ready". transfermarketweb.com. 19 May 2014.
- "Panagiotis Kone completes Udinese move". sportsmole.co.uk. 13 August 2014.
- "Coppa: Napoli shoot-out sinks Udinese". football-italia.net. 22 January 2015.
- "Udinese, Kone: 'Ieri ottima partita, mio gol importante'". calciomercato.com. 23 March 2015.
- "Juventus - Udinese0-1". gazzetta.it. 23 August 2015.
- "Udinese lose Kone to injury". football-italia.net. 13 October 2015.
- "Lazio set up Italian Cup quarter-final with Juventus". channelnewsasia.com. 17 December 2015.
- "Coppa Italia: Lazio-Udinese 2-1, troverà la Juventus ai quarti. L'ira dei friuliani". ansa.it. 17 December 2015.
- "Guillermo Barros Schelotto off the mark as Palermo hammer Udinese". espn.co.uk. 24 January 2016.
- "Kone verso la riconferma: un recupero prezioso per Iachini". tuttoudinese.it. 30 August 2016.
- Όλες οι μεταγραφές στο Sport24.gr
- Official: Fiorentina sign Kone
- Ο Σόουζα "έκοψε" τον Κονέ από το Europa League
- Empoli-Fiorentina 2-0, naufragio viola al Castellani
- Δανεικός στη Γρανάδα ο Παναγιώτης Κονέ. novasports.gr (in Greek).
- El internacional griego Kone se incorpora al Granada CF
- Τελειώνει του Κονέ στην ΑΕΚ! (in Greek). Retrieved 30 August 2017.
- Έμεινε ζωντανή η ΑΕΚ (in Greek). Retrieved 23 November 2017.
- Εύκολη επικράτηση για την ΑΕΚ! (in Greek). Retrieved 11 December 2017.
- Ενοχλημένοι με Κονέ στην ΑΕΚ (in Greek). 17 July 2018.
- Ο Κονέ έμεινε ελεύθερος από την Ουντινέζε (in Greek). 31 August 2018.
- "Heraldsun.com.au | Subscribe to the Herald Sun for exclusive stories". myaccount.news.com.au. Retrieved 31 January 2019.
- "Αυστρία-Ελλάδα 1–2 (τελικό)". Retrieved 18 November 2010.
- "Euro 2012: Panagiotis Kone dropped from Greece squad". bbc.com. 29 May 2012.
- "Greece World Cup 2014 squad". telegraph. 19 May 2014.
- "Ελλάδα - Βολιβία 2-1". sport24.gr. 7 June 2014.
- "Kone sparks controversy for making Albanian gesture". sdna.gr. 15 June 2015.
- "Greece - Hungary 4-3". sportinglife.com. 11 October 2015.
External links
| Greece squad – 2014 FIFA World Cup | ||
|---|---|---|
|  | |
- 1987 births
- Living people
- Footballers from Tirana
- Greece men's youth international footballers
- Greece men's under-21 international footballers
- Greece men's international footballers
- Greek expatriate men's footballers
- Albanian emigrants to Greece
- Men's association football forwards
- Super League Greece players
- Serie A players
- La Liga players
- Olympiacos F.C. players
- AEK Athens F.C. players
- Iraklis F.C. (Thessaloniki) players
- Brescia Calcio players
- Bologna FC 1909 players
- Udinese Calcio players
- ACF Fiorentina players
- Granada CF footballers
- Western United FC players
- Expatriate men's footballers in Italy
- Expatriate men's footballers in Spain
- Expatriate men's soccer players in Australia
- Greek expatriate sportspeople in Italy
- Greek expatriate sportspeople in Spain
- Greek expatriate sportspeople in Australia
- 2014 FIFA World Cup players
- Naturalized citizens of Greece
- Footballers from Athens
- Greek men's footballers
- Marquee players (A-League Men)
- AEK Athens F.C. non-playing staff
- 21st-century Greek sportsmen