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Panathinaikos goalkeeper Luke Steele feels Greece is in 'state of panic'

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Panathinaikos goalkeeper Luke Steele reveals what it is like living through the Greek cash crisis.

Former Barnsley goalkeeper, and current Panathinaikos stopper, Luke Steele admits there is a state of panic in Greece.

But the ex-Manchester United trainee has no concerns about his own financial future despite the dire economic situation in the country.

Greek citizens will vote in a referendum over a bailout on Sunday, the outcome of which could decide if the country remains in the euro.

It has led to queues at cash machines and some Athens residents have been given free meals by the army as the country’s recession begins to hit hard.

Playing professional football, however, has provided stability for Steele. Panathinaikos are currently in the midst of a Champions League qualifying campaign and last week signed former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien.

But despite not being affected by the situation, Steele feels strongly about it and feels it is wrong that the Greek public are being made to make a decision on the bailout.

PSV Eindhoven's Dutch forward  Memphis Depay  (R) scores a goal past  Panathinaikos Athens' goalkeeper Luke Steele (2nd R) during the UEFA Europa League gr
Image: Luke Steele: Former Barnsley goalkeeper is currently playing in Greece

“Every day you see the cash machines with lines about an hour long and the petrol stations are the same – I think everyone is in a state of panic and uncertainty,” he said.

“It’s a shame it has come to this and it’s all people are talking about at the moment.

“We still get paid. The football club is in a stable position and it’s slightly different over here because you get paid four times a year so we don’t get paid until October.

“The fact you can only draw out 60 euros a day is the big issue but the club is helping younger players out and we’re very lucky that we’re at a stable club.

“People are upset and rightly so because it’s a situation that hasn’t been resolved and it’s ended up being up to the people to sort it out themselves.”

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