Some relationships last forever. They just had some breaks in between. Just like PAOK’s with Vieirinha, who decided in the summer of 2017 to return to the club where he made his name. Because, even if he had shown his talent in the youth academy of FC Porto, where he impressed and was picked out by Fernando Santos, but it was at PAOK where from being a talented Portuguese, he became the player we know and love in Vieirinha.

In his first four-year spell (2008-2012) at the Toumba, he developed into a top class player. After becoming one of the best players in the Super League, it was only logical when the chance came along to play in a more advanced championship. He found that challenge in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg, where he played for five seasons. He was converted from a winger to a top-class right-back in Germany, and became a regular in the Portugal side, there where again he met Fernando Santos who was the coach when the team won Euro 2016.

Overall in a PAOK shirt he has made 129 appearances, scoring 25 goals and contributing 25 assists. At Wolfsburg, he made 163 appearances, scoring seven goals and served up 23 assists. And with Portugal, he has 25 caps and two goals.

Just one-and-a-half years ago, Vieirinha returned «home», and made sure that he could reprise his role. An emblematic leader, mature and stable as a character – whenever the situation, and always humble and hardworking. Vieirinha was fortunate enough to win the Greek Cup in the first season back with PAOK, even scoring his first goal of the season in the 2-0 win over AEK in the final.

The 2018-19 season was historic. He was always in great spirits, seemed to be everywhere on the pitch, and managed to lead the team to Greek domestic double without losing a single match. He was seriously injured in April 2019, but he put his head down and worked hard, returned and continues to enrich Greek football with his presence.

Last season he also made some personal history after becoming the foreign player with the most appearances for the club.

#TheLeader has made 322 appearances, scored 50 goals and contributed 43 assists. He turns 38 today, continues to make history in a Double-headed Eagle shirt, and is a role model for a whole new generation of footballers.

Happy Birthday captain!