It's a cast iron certainty that Nikos will never forget his football in 2004. His move from Newcastle to Leicester in January may just have to take second place to seeing his country Greece pick up an unexpected victory at Euro 2004.
Nikos, who made his debut for his country in 1994, was an unused substitute for the Greeks who claimed glory in Portugal.
He said afterwards: "This is the most important moment of my life. We will never forget this; our country will remember this forever."
Nikos joined Leicester on a free transfer until the end of the 2003-04 season with an option of another year. He took up this option after returning from the European Championships. He made his debut in the goalless draw at Southampton and started every match, bar one, after that, often partnering Matt Heath at the back.
Nikos revealed that his international team-mate, and former Leicester midfielder, Theo Zagorakis, had recommended a move to the Foxes. "He told me that Leicester were a great club with very passionate fans and that helped my decision," he said.
A wholehearted and authoritative central defender, Nikos didn't start playing football until he was 16 in his hometown of Amyndaeo before going on to sign for Olympiakos in 1994. His burning ambition had always been to play in England and he realised that dream four years later when Newcastle boss Kenny Dalglish signed him for £2m.
He had five years there making 175 appearances and establishing himself as a fans' favourite on Tyneside. He also managed 14 goals - a good return for a centre half. He went to Wembley twice with the Magpies becoming the first Greek to play in an FA Cup Final.
Nikos has been a main player in the centre of the City defence so far this season, and will be hoping to grab his first goal for the club in the second half of the campaign.

 International Honours: Greece (57 caps), Euro 2004 Champions