Born on this day is one of the most forgettable players in recent SAFC history, Charis Mavrias. He joined the lads from Panathinaikos, for a fee rumoured to be between £2-3 million.
Mavrias made his debut for Panathinaikos in the 2010 Champions League, as a late substitute against Rubin Kazan. He became the youngest Greek player to appear in the competition, and the second-youngest overall.
His first senior goal came in February 2012, netting the second in a 2-0 win over Ergotellis in Greece. Impressing as a youngster, Mavrias came to England after catching the eye of Paolo Di Canio and Sporting Director Roberto De Fanti. £3 million was a hefty fee for such an unproven player, and it turned out to be a massive waste of money.
Mavrias made his Sunderland debut as a substitute against MK Dons in the League Cup, where the lads eventually reached the final. He had to wait until January to score his first goal in England, scoring just five minutes into a 1-0 win over Kidderminster.
After 16 frustrating months on Wearside, Mavrias back to Panathinaikos on loan. Despite coaches supposedly being impressed with his attitude and ability, he never broke into the first team. On his move to Sunderland, Mavrias reflected: “I took the decision to leave Panathinaikos and go to Sunderland, and I think anyone in my position would take this decision.”
After returning from his loan spell in Greece, he had another stint out on loan- this time with Fortuna Dusseldorf. When the loan was finished, Mavrias was finally allowed to leave permanently. His move to German side Karlsruher SC marked the end of a three-year spell on Wearside, racking up a mere seven appearances for Sunderland's senior side...
A year in Germany was followed by a brief spell in the Croatian top flight, then a move back to Britain with Hibs. He made just two league appearances though, and is currently plying his trade in Greece with Panetolikos of the Greek Super Leaue.
