Though born in Naousa, a small region of northern Greece, Giannou moved to Australia as a child and grew up in Melbourne.

He has since represented both Greece and Australia at youth levels and as a senior player, with 13 international appearances in total.

Macarthur will be Giannou's tenth professional club, in a career which stretches back to 2007 when he made his senior debut for the Oakleigh Cannons in Melbourne.

Despite his Australian upbringing, Giannou has never played A-League football. Macarthur Bulls coach, Ante Milicic, has worked with him with the Socceroos in the past and knows exactly what the 31-year-old can bring to the team.

"Apostolos is an exciting addition for our squad, and I'm thrilled we have been able to secure such a valued player like him," Milicic said.

"Even though he will be joining us mid-season, I believe he will have a smooth transition into the club and onto the pitch.

"Having worked with Apostolos previously with the Socceroos, I believe he will settle in well with the squad and I look forward to working with him again.

"Not only will he be joining the Bulls, but he will also be playing for the first time in the A-League, which adds another quality international player to the competition."

In the weeks leading up to the 2021/22 A-League competition, Macarthur signed a handful of players to increase the depth and strength of its squad.

That work has paid off, as the club currently sits in second place on the ladder after six games, with four wins, one loss, and one draw.

Despite his mid-season signing, Giannou is confident he can gel with his new teammates quickly and prove his worth on the field.

"Although it is mid-season, I believe I can add my part to the club and continue the clubs success for the remainder of the season," he said.

"It's an exciting opportunity and challenge which I'm looking forward to and I believe it will be a great steppingstone for my career.

"Now, I will look to focus on settling in the club and team and look to getting on the pitch to show the club what I'm made off."

The Bulls' last game was on December 26, in a 3-0 loss to Sydney FC at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

They will get 2022 underway this Saturday, January 22, with a clash against the Western Sydney Wanderers. The game will also be played in Campbelltown, with the start time yet to be announced.

Did you know the Goulburn Post is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up here.