Karipidis joined Hearts in 2006 from Greek side PAOK FC

Hearts defender Christos Karipidis has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Cypriot club Omonia Nicosia and will leave Tynecastle in the summer.

Karipidis joined Hearts in 2006 and has played 83 games for the club, scoring twice this season.

The 26-year-old said he wanted to be closer to his family in Greece.

"I have always enjoyed my time at Hearts and still have unfinished business to resolve on the pitch before I go," he told his club website.

Karipidis signed for Hearts from Greek side PAOK FC for £200,000 in August 2006.

In February Karipidis was made vice-captain after Christophe Berra moved to Wolves and Robbie Neilson had been named the new skipper.

The move to Nicosia will allow me to compete at a good professional level while being closer to my home and relations in Greece Christos Karipidis

And the defender said he was determined to help Hearts secure a European place before his move.

"This will be my total focus," he said.

"By securing my long-term future, I am ready for the next five games and playing my part in delivering European football for Hearts.

"In particular I want to leave my team-mates and also the supporters with a gift. This would be my gift to them for their support of me in my time in Scotland."

He added: "While Scotland has been a good home for me and my family, I now have a young family and the move to Nicosia will allow me to compete at a good professional level while being closer to my home and relations in Greece."

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