Onisiforos Rousias looks back in time, recalls the most significant moments of his soccer career, and speaks to “Bala sto Halaro” about the choices that shaped his career, his experiences with major Cypriot clubs, and the dream he lived out in England from a young age.
From his debut with the Cyprus national team and his title wins to the difficulties, missed opportunities, and the decision to retire from active play, he takes stock of his career, admitting that, despite feeling fulfilled, there’s always the thought that he could have achieved more.
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Now, facing a different daily routine, he explains how he prepared for life after soccer, what he would change if he could turn back time, and why, for now, he’s choosing to enjoy everything he was deprived of all those years.
Here is Onesiforos Rousias’s interview in its entirety:
What is life like and how do you feel after retiring from active play? “It’s a completely different life. You have a lot more free time than before—a different daily routine.”
Are you satisfied with the next step after retirement? “I feel satisfied. I had a clear idea of what I wanted to do after I stopped playing soccer. When I moved down to the second division, I started thinking that as I got older, I needed to look ahead to life after soccer.”
When did you decide that the time had come to retire from soccer? “I made the decision last January. I’d been preparing for it for the past 1–2 years.”
Looking back on your career, did you achieve everything you wanted to? “Growing up, my dream was to become a soccer player and to play for the big clubs, as well as for the national team—which I managed to do. But you always want something more.”
What would you change about your career if you had the chance? “I’d change Onisiforos when he was 19. I was released by a team in England; I had an offer from another team, but I wanted to come to Cyprus. And another decision I made: after Ermis, I had another offer from abroad, and again I didn’t go. That’s the only thing I can say I’d change.”
How did you make the decision to go to England when you were 16? “I got an offer from a Premier League team that you just can’t turn down. I remember we’d gone to the U-17 qualifiers with the national team, and in our group were Belgium, England, and Albania, if I’m not mistaken. I had a really good tournament. After that, they got in touch with me.”
How did you find the experience in England? “The first time I went, I was 15.5 years old; it was an incredible experience, like a dream. Leaving Paralimni to join a Premier League team and seeing the facilities, the fields, and the stars—it was a tremendous experience.”
What was it like returning to Cyprus? “The return wasn’t easy because, upon my arrival in Cyprus, I was drafted into the army—something that changes every soccer player’s life. It was the 2010–11 season. I spent the first half of the season here (ed. note: Paralimni) and then I was transferred to Omonia, commuting back and forth every day.”
Despite the difficulties of that period, could you see that you were improving? “I felt that I could develop both as a soccer player and as a person. That’s something I saw as time went on.”
How did the transfer to Omonia come about? “It was a huge move. Omonia’s interest arose from a friendly match between the U-21 national team and Romania. Mr. Savevski was in the stands. I played a really good game; I scored, if I’m not mistaken. As soon as the game ended, he was waiting for me outside the Makareio Stadium, spoke to me, and told me he was interested in signing me.”
How would you describe your time at Omonia? “I had a pretty good run at Omonia. Given the minutes I played and the goals I scored, I had a good run. I always had players ahead of me who scored 20–25 goals—I can name them for you. They were always the league’s top scorers. From the moment I arrived until I left, the league’s top scorers were always at Omonia. When I was there, we were allowed three substitutions; if there had been five substitutions like there are now, I definitely would have had more playing time.”
How did you experience the financial problems Omonia was facing at the time? “I was struck by the fans’ love and passion for their team. I can tell you a story that was very powerful and has stayed with me. When we launched the campaign to raise funds for the club, we visited various villages across Cyprus; I remember people—and specifically an elderly man—giving us his pension right there in front of us to save the Omonia club.”
What memories do you have of AEK? “Wonderful memories. Winning the Cup and, a few months later, the Super Cup—those are moments that will remain etched in my mind.”
You scored in the Super Cup—did you enjoy that a little more? “Definitely—scoring a goal and helping your team win a title makes you happier because it’s different from not playing.”
Did you feel reborn after that goal? “I definitely would have liked to play more. I left Omonia, went to AEK, and found myself up against yet another player who was scoring 25 goals: Florian and Triskovski.”
The return to Enosis and the coronavirus: “That’s the year COVID hit, and the following summer I faced rejection from all the first-division teams because I hadn’t had a good season at Paralimni. Every team I was offered a spot with that summer turned me down, until I went to Ermis with Nikos Panagiotou and had an outstanding season.”
Do you consider your time at Ermis to have been a comeback? “There, I felt more mature, more prepared, and I feel it was my best season—one I’ll never forget. I think the rejection from other teams made me more determined, and I worked hard enough to make it happen.”
Your time at Anorthosis: “Anorthosis is a tremendous team. I got off to a really good start. I even scored a goal in my first game, but things didn’t go as well for me after that.”
How did you experience your third return to Enosis: “I returned to Enosis after a bad year for me and found a coach who helped me a lot. It was Marinos Satsias, who had also coached me at Ermis. He helped me get back on the field, get playing time, and do well.”
Do you feel fulfilled by your career? “I feel fulfilled, but I could have achieved even more.”
Your debut with the national team was in Japan. How did you experience it? “Since it was also my first game, it was like a dream. I remember it was an incredible experience—making my debut with the national team on the other side of the world; I’ll remember it forever.”
How would you describe your experience with the national team? “Whenever you were called up to the national team, it was a pleasure for every player. They’re the best trips and games any player gets to experience.
After Ermis, you received offers from abroad again: “There were specific offers from Israel, Greece, and Kazakhstan, but the coronavirus was a factor that held me back. I remember that in Israel, they didn’t recognize vaccines—if you went there, you’d have to get two more shots. If I were to join the national team, I’d have to go into quarantine for 14 days. It was a complicated situation. Looking back, I can say I regretted it, but I went to Anorthosis and we played in the Conference League group stage that same year.”
Are you thinking about returning to soccer in a different role? “Not for the time being—at least not for a few years. I want to rest, unwind, and experience the things every player misses out on for so many years—traveling, family time.”
Have you thought about whether your children might get involved in the sport? “Maybe, but I won’t push them; if it happens naturally, so be it.”
