Greek soccer powerhouse AEK sold to shipowner Marios Iliopoulos

Owner of Greek soccer powerhouse AEK, Dimitris Melissanidis, announced in a written statement on Monday the sale of the club to shipowner Marios Iliopoulos.

After thanking AEK fans for their support Mellisannidis announced he is leaving the club. "Forgive me, but my journey has reached its final destination. I hand over the reins to shipowner Marios Iliopoulos," he stated.

Melissanidis acquired AEK in 2013 when it was in Greece's third division and led them to two Greek championships. He also built AEK's home stadium, OPAP Arena.

Marios Iliopoulos, is co-founder and CEO of SeaJets, one of Greece's leading high speed ferry companies. 

The two men also held a joint press conference on Monday afternoon.

The total sale price has not been officially announced.