After the morning adventure regarding Podence’s authorization from Al Shabab, the Portuguese finally arrived in Athens to once again wear his beloved red-and-white jersey.

The Portuguese forward will sign with Olympiacos on loan from the Saudi Arabian club. Podence landed at Athens airport via Istanbul at around 20:30 on Monday evening.

The 29-year-old Portuguese winger leaves Al Shabab to return to Piraeus, where he has developed an incredible bond with the club.

🔴🙌 Ο Ποντένσε είναι ΕΔΩ.#OlympiacosFC pic.twitter.com/bYhqrpxhzl

— gazzetta.gr (@gazzetta_gr) September 1, 2025

His return has sent Olympiacos fans into a frenzy of excitement.

At “Eleftherios Venizelos” airport, about 2,000 supporters gathered to welcome Podence back and show him their love.

The fans chanted: “Podence alani, forever in the port.”

Podence came out of the airport gate around 21:50, holding a team scarf, with the supporters going absolutely wild.

«Ποντένσε αλάνι για πάντα στο λιμάνι»#OlympiacosFC pic.twitter.com/TVz94RqRlv

— gazzetta.gr (@gazzetta_gr) September 1, 2025

In his first statements after his move back to Olympiacos, he said:

“It’s wonderful to return home. I’m trying hard not to cry from the emotion—I didn’t expect this reception. My legs are trembling. I came here to stay, my goal is to remain here, if possible, even for 10 years.
I want to succeed, the only thing that matters is winning trophies. What Mendilibar has done is important for everyone. There is no other place I would rather be than here.”

Podence had left Olympiacos having already written his name in golden letters in the club’s history by winning the Conference League.

The Portuguese is now beginning his third stint with the red-and-whites. He first arrived in Piraeus in 2018, and after a year and a half he was sold to Wolves.

In the 2023–24 season he returned on loan to Olympiacos and won the Conference League.

In addition to the Conference League, the Portuguese has also been crowned Greek champion in the 2019–20 season, despite leaving for Wolves in January 2020. He has 115 appearances in the red-and-white jersey, with 28 goals and 27 assists.