Kostoulas given family backing

Kostoulas was joined by his family when signing for Brighton in a £29.78m on Thursday.

The Kostoulas family is steeped in footballing heritage and is forever connected to Olympiakos.

The father of Brighton's new forward is Athanasios Kostoulas, a former central defender who won seven league titles across a glorious eight year spell at the Athens club, while his older brother, Konstantinos, is also on the books of Olympiakos but spent last season on loan in Portugal at Rio Ave.

The entire family travelled to Brighton to witness the signing but, as is commonplace with these deals, it was a long day of paperwork, looking for houses and waiting for the official announcement.

When asked by BBC Sport about his feelings, Kostoulas' father, known as Thanasis said: "Today is a very important day for the whole family. Despite being many years a professional player myself, what has been achieved has happened in a very short space of time. Everything has happened very quickly and within one year.

"We are emotional but excited that everything should go well. We feel this opportunity is the best one possible and he will participate in the best league in Europe and the world.

"We are confident in his desire and ability to work hard to allow him to shine as he has done so far in his career."

Brothers who achieved together

The Kostoulas family are steeped in Olympiakos history

Of course, it is bittersweet saying goodbye to a son who has lived his entire life in and around Athens. Kostoulas' mother Eirini said it was "emotional" to say goodbye but that this was the best opportunity that her son has been presented with.

There were also reflections from the family of memories like "Babis'" scissor kick against PAOK at Under-15s level, a first senior goal against the same club this season and, most poignantly, seeing both brothers lift the Uefa Youth League together.

The elder brother Konstantinos has a photo of himself and Babis celebrating beating AC Milan 3-0 in the final to win the title, the equivalent of the Champions League at youth level, in 2024 for Olympiakos. The pair are holding up the Greek and club flags and the image is a screensaver on his phone.