The last “goodbye” to Alexis Kougias was said by relatives, friends, colleagues and customers of the Church of Panagia Faneromeni in Vouliagmeni.

His body is headed to the First Cemetery for burial.

His two children, Maira and Christos, who delivered the funeral prayers and who were found early in the church accompanied by their mother, are tragic figures.

Christos Kougias: “He had set a goal in his life, to become a legend and he did”

Christos Kougias described his father as a fighter, stating that despite the battle for his health, the deceased “fought to continue going to court, to continue going to the stadiums”.

“He fought the last battle to do what he loves. My father, despite his recognition in all areas, never forgot where he started. He knew what it meant to have nothing. Back then, he had nothing to lose”, he said.

“He had set a goal in his life, to become a legend. And he did”, he emphasized, saying that despite the years that passed, Alexis Kougias “never lowered his head. He did not change his lifestyle, he never hid. He looked everyone in the eye without exception. “Despite his success, his publicity, his financial standing, he didn’t stop. He didn’t change his personality. Throughout his career, he was the same person he started with.”

“Dad, rest assured, I won’t stop until I succeed. I have a moral obligation to you and Maira. I will keep everything you taught me forever. You are the best teacher I could have. I am not ready for the sequel. But I will do my best so that you can look down on me and be proud of me. I will not say goodbye, but see you again,” he said.

“I will never forget how much you loved me and Christos”

Alexis Kougias’ daughter Maira was particularly emotional during the eulogy, saying that her father was a “great man, a pillar of strength, a source of love and wisdom.”

Maira Kougias, speaking in the second person, recalled moments from the past few years. Among them, when Alexis Kougias entered the classroom with a cake and 51 red roses for her birthday. “I will never forget the fireworks, the balloons and the beautiful moments we have spent together. I will never forget seeing you with a bouquet in the front row at every student performance,” she said.

She made special mention of his love for his children. “I will never forget how much you loved me and Christos. You were the first person to love me so much. We were your first priority, the reason you fought every day, and you never gave up,” she said.

For her, Alexis Kougias was a fighter, “a man so strong, a man who fought.” “You will forever be a winner for me,” she concluded.