Panathinaikos Star Djibril Cisse Relishing Galatasaray Test

Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos were beaten 2-0 by rivals Olympiacos last weekend and they are eager to bounce back with a good result against Galatasaray in Thursday's Europa League clash.

"I'm always excited to play against a team where there will be an atmosphere and where there is a big rivalry between the two countries," Djibril Cisse told uefa.com.

"That's my kind of occasion. Panathinaikos are known for doing well in the European Cup and UEFA Cup, and the club likes to be strong in Europe."

The former Liverpool striker also discussed his history of serious injuries and stated that he's glad to be back in top form again.

"When you are injured then physically it's nothing because your body is going to heal, but are you tough enough mentally – that's the question. Now I know my answer is yes, but I didn't know that before my first leg break.

"Then one year later I broke the other one [playing for France]. A lot of people talked too much and finished me off for football, a little bit early, but I'm still here."