Roar signed 32-year-old former Greece international defender Papadopoulos for the remainder of the season last week as an injury replacement for Daniel Bowles.

Papadopoulos had been out of contract since leaving Japanese club Jubilo Iwata in November, however he revealed Roar’s offer was his first from an Australian club.

“Of course I like Australian football, but I think it’s a little difficult with the (visa) rules,” Papadopoulos said.

“Never had I had one offer to play here. It’s a big chance for me to come back and play at a high level.

“Australian football for me is at a very good level. Brisbane is a very good opportunity for me.”

Papadopoulos said the draw of Australia was strong given his family history.

“I love this country. I’m born here,” he said.

“My father and my mother worked a lot here in Australia.

“This is very important for me.”

Papadopoulos arrived in Brisbane last weekend and watched Tuesday’s goalless AFC Champions League draw with Muang Thong United from the stands.

Given he hasn’t played since leaving Jubilo in November, he won’t be considered against Wellington Phoenix on Saturday.

With seven A-League rounds to play, plus finals and the ACL campaign, he is hopeful of doing enough to earn a new deal at Suncorp Stadium.

“Why not?” he said.

“If the team, the coach, everyone at Brisbane is happy and likes me to stay.”

Meanwhile, he also laughed of links to match-fixing allegations from his time at Greek giants Olympiacos in 2011.

“This is a very funny story,” he said. “It’s a very good scenario for a journalist to write something but this story is not true.

“Sometimes they write things and it can get blown out of proportion. They came say things to make a story and there’s no truth to it.

“People can write whatever they want but those people who know me know the truth.”