On 23 November 2005, during a Champions League fixture against Rosenborg, he made a reckless challenge on 18-year-old opponent Per Ciljan Skjelbred, breaking both bones in the teenager's lower leg just above the ankle.

One half of Takis Lemonis' defensive midfield duo, Akis formed a strong partnership with Argentine international Cristian Raul Ledesma.

Stoltidis also continued his streak of Champions League success, this time helping Olympiacos finish second and gaining entry into the Round of 16.

In November 1999, he made his debut for the senior national team and then captained Greece at the 2004 Summer Olympics on home soil.

Apart from my gratitude to the fans for their support, I want to assure them that, had this call come earlier in my career, when I was capable of competing on all fronts at a high level, I would have put myself at the disposal of the coach without hesitation.