'My aim is to be in the Premier League!' Nottingham Forest loanee Omar Richards celebrates Conference League glory with Olympiacos
Omar Richards is on loan at Olympiacos from Nottingham Forest
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Nottingham Forest loanee Omar Richards has reiterated his desire to play in the Premier League, just moments after becoming a European champion with Olympiacos.
The 26-year-old was loaned out from Forest to the Greek giants at the start of the season and was a part of the history-making Olympiacos side that became the first Greek side to ever win a European trophy.
The "Legend" defeated Fiorentina in a tense final in Athens, with Ayoub El Kaabi's goal in the 116th minute being the only difference between the two sides.
Although Richards didn't feature in the final, he played an important role in his team reaching that stage coming on as a sub in the quarter-final second leg away to Fenerbahce - which Olympiacos won on penalties - as well as a sub in the semi-final first leg away to Aston Villa - which Olympiacos won 4-2 in stunning fashion.
Richards won the UEFA Europa Conference League with Olympiacos last night
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Following the game, the former Bayern Munich defender - who made 12 appearances in the Bundesliga - spoke to GB News about his season and his future.
He said: "It's crazy, we created history here, what a night. It's amazing, the whole journey, there's been ups and downs.
"Obviously the final being here in Athens as well, you could see and hear the atmosphere out there tonight.
"We're just happy as players and everyone involved with the club to bring this home for the fans. It's an incredible achievement, we're going to enjoy this one."
The left-back went on to admit that he didn't know what he was walking into when he signed for Olympiacos at the end of last summer's transfer window.
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Richards hasn't played in the Premier League yet, despite signing for Forest in 2022
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He explained: "My move over here was so last minute. I was injured at the time and it was something to kind of get me back on my feet. I really didn't know what I was walking into.
"It's played out so beautifully. I've had an amazing experience, amazing journey here and I'm thankful to everyone involved in the club here. It's been a great time."
Regarding his future, the former Reading man reiterated his desire to play in the Premier League - something he didn't get to do in his first season with Forest as he was left out of the Premier League squad.
He said: "I'm signed to Nottingham Forest, I'm here on loan so that's the plan until I hear anything different.
"My aim was to be in the Premier League, I haven't done that yet, I'd love to do that but obviously Olympiacos is a great club, we've done amazing things this year.
Richards played for Bayern Munich in the Champions League
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"I'm open to everything, we'll see what happens."
Richards doesn't expect Forest to be in the relegation battle next season and was surprised with how this year played out for his parent club.
The former England U-21 said: "With the players that we've got in the team, when I look at the team, you wouldn't expect them to finish in that position.
"I think the aim is to climb up the table next season and I think they'll definitely do that."
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