Greek football is mourning the loss of former international defender Paraskevas Antzas, who has died at the age of 49 after battling motor neurone disease.

Antzas began his professional career with Skoda Xanthi F.C. before joining Olympiacos F.C. in 1998, where he became part of one of the club’s most successful eras.

Across two spells with the Piraeus powerhouse, the commanding centre-back won seven Greek league championships, three Greek Cups and a Greek Super Cup, earning a reputation for his strength, consistency and leadership in defence.

At international level, Antzas represented Greece national football team on 26 occasions and was part of the side that reached the final of the 1998 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Antzas had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease 18 months ago. Following the diagnosis, he withdrew from public life and returned to his hometown of Drama, where he continued his fight against the illness surrounded by family and close friends.

Tributes have poured in following news of his passing, with Olympiacos F.C. honouring the former defender in an emotional statement.

“Olympiacos FC, with a sense of sorrow, bids farewell to a great man and footballer, Paraskevas Antzas, who honoured the red and white jersey with passion, strength and dignity,” the club said.

“His presence left a strong impression on the field of play and on everyone who knew him.”