The free-agent is best known for his instrumental contribution in elevating Greece to EURO 2004 victory. He will replace Danny Murphy in Fulham, who made a move to Championship side Blackburn Rovers after talks of a new contract fell out.
Aside from Panathinaikos, Karagounis spent time playing at Inter Milan and Benfica. He expressed his happiness in joining Fulham, remarking that he is thrilled to work with manager Martin Jol and the club's players.
Jol said that Karagounis' extensive experience in leadership and playing football makes him a fine asset of the club. He described the midfielder as a popular figure in international football due to his achievement of being one of the players who made the most appearances for Greece with 120 matches.
Aside from helping Greece win EURO 2004, Karagounis brought the nation to the EURO 2012 quarterfinals through a crucial goal while playign against tough oponnent Russia. A yellow card during that match left him out of the squad's losing quarterfinal against Germany.
Meanwhile, reports that Shinji Kagawa incurred a back injury while playing for Japan against Iraq in the World Cup qualifier caught the concern of his national team manager.
Kagawa withdrew prior to the kick-off after complaining of a back pain which he allegedly suffered from training. Japan manager Alberto Zaccheroni initially wanted the midfielder on the bench, but said that he did not want to aggravate the situation of the player.
Speaking on the reports, Kagawa calmed down fears that he may not be fully fit to play in his upcoming fixtures. He said that while the injury is not serious and he already had it treated, he opted to withdraw so as not to affect the team's performance.
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Photo credits:
Giorgos Karagounis [Photograph]. (2012). Retrieved 12 September 2012, from < http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite5_1_11/09/2012_460778 >
