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“It was an express wish of the player that he join PAOK. We have always emphasized that we are ready when it suits all parties, ”said Rapid sporting director Zoran Barisic. However, he did not want to talk about an “emergency sale” due to the financial bottleneck due to the coronavirus crisis. “We didn’t have to act, it worked for us. In these times it is important to do smart things, not to take risks that you may later regret, ”said the sports director.
For Murg, who is now reunited with former Rapid captain Stefan Schwab, who already emigrated in the summer, it was not only sporting reasons that should have played a role. “It’s definitely that PAOK pays higher wages than we do,” Barisic said.
Goal against the farewell of LASK
Murg traded to Rapid in the spring of 2016 and played 163 competitive matches in which he scored 35 goals. The Viennese lose an all-time player who came in from the better side with a goal and a great performance in a 3-0 Bundesliga home win against LASK on Sunday in Rapid’s last appearance.
“It was a wonderful time at SK Rapid with many wonderful years, which gave me many unforgettable moments as part of the team. Now I have decided to take a step in a new direction, which I am convinced will enrich my experience as a footballer, “Murg said in a Rapid broadcast.
Transfer fee in millions
His contract with Rapid would have lasted another two years, so the Greeks had to put some money on the table. According to Greek media reports, the Hütteldorfer should raise around two million euros. As usual, it was officially agreed not to disclose the transfer fee.
Murg does not have to do without a Europa League appearance, instead of playing Rapid against Arsenal, Molde and Dundalk, he now faces PSV Eindhoven, Granada and Omonia Nicosia. If both clubs dominate the group stage, there will possibly be a sports meeting with Rapid in spring 2021.
Ritzmaier returns to Austria
Ritzmaier, who was on loan from Barnsley for a year, can play in Murg’s position, but also in center, making him something of a replacement for Rapid’s two missing midfield supports. The 27-year-old knows the Bundesliga well, having been involved with the WAC from the summer of 2018 to January 2020 before ending up in Barnsley with Salzburg manager Gerhard Struber.
In England, the Styrian shouldn’t have been happy after 22 competitive appearances. “It is a great honor for me to be able to wear the green and white jersey for next season. The anticipation for the upcoming tasks, as well as for the team, the fans and the entire club is enormous, ”said Ritzmaier.
Rapid hopes that the offensive player who has been involved in the Netherlands for a long time, including in Eindhoven, will need little time to get used to. “He is a very interesting player who has had a very good education and can be used universally. We expect a lot from him and hope that he can help our game from the beginning, ”said Barisic. Ritzmaier could make his debut on October 17 in the second round of the ÖFB Cup at 1. Wiener Neustädter SC.
