Stelios has opened up about his decision to join Wanderers from Greek giants Olympiacos back in 2003.

The winger made 177 appearances during a memorable five-year spell at the UniBol, quickly becoming a fan favourite.

During his time in the North West, Stelios shared a dressing room with the likes of Jay Jay Okocha, Ivan Campo and Fernando Hierro among others.

The 47-year-old opted to join the Whites following discussions with Sam Allardyce and says he was ultimately sold by the club’s potential to be successful in the Premier League.

"For me, it was a Premier League club that had the potential to achieve what it really achieved in the following years. I was always a step ahead in my thinking and I could realise the potential,” he told The Wanderer Podcast.

“I got convinced by the gaffer Big Sam. We had a conversation, he explained to me what exactly the club was about. It was a club that was building to become a very good power and a big power in the English Premier League.

"If you live outside of England and you hear Premier League, it's every young footballer's dream to play in England in the Premier League. It's a dream and for me that dream was becoming a reality.

"I couldn't say no. I could see and I could sense inside my heart the potential that Bolton Wanderers had in that time and I was experienced enough to understand what Big Sam wanted from me, what he was expecting from me and what I was expecting for the club.

"He also explained to me what the plan for the club was and how we were going to build in order to be successful with other big players and big names as well, and it was not difficult to get convinced and come here and sign for the club."

Stelios left Wanderers in 2008 and went on to have a spell at Hull City before hanging up his boots.

The former Greek international is currently living in the North West and returned to the UniBol last season for Gethin Jones’ MND appeal.