 He spent five years with the Cretan top-tier side during its "golden years", establishing himself as an attacking midfielder under coach Eugène Gerards.In August 1993, Papavasiliou was transferred to Newcastle United for £120,000 signing a two-year contract and thus becoming the first Cypriot to play in the FA Premier League.He made his Newcastle debut against Tottenham on 14 August 1993.