Former Greek football player and coach Takis Gkonias dies at 54

Takis Gkonias, a former Greek international footballer and professional coach, has passed away at the age of 54. The announcement was made by Levadiakos FC, the club where Gkonias began his career and played for five years. Born in Livadeia in 1971, Gkonias played for Olympiacos in two stints between 1992-1996 and 2003-2004. Throughout his career, he also represented Iraklis, Paniliakos, and Panionios. Internationally, he played for Sporting Gijón in Spain, and the Italian clubs Messina and Crotone. He transitioned to a coaching career in 2013, starting with Glyfada. Before his death, he was also active as a television football commentator.