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The 29-year old played in the Champions League for a number of years with the Greek champions Olympiakos and says that next season the Wanderers must make it their aim to qualify for one of the European competitions.
"We have to aim for at least a place in the UEFA Cup" he said
"For every player that is our oxygen, playing in Europe. It is a real celebration of football"
Giannakopoulos also admits that he isn't surprised that the team steered clear of relegation this campaign and says the difference between teams in the Premiership with the exception of the top three or four teams is very minimal and encouraged Bolton to follow the lead of Birmingham City who are enjoying themselves in the top half of the table.
"I didn't have any worries about us staying up in the Premiership because we are a strong team. For the first time in a long time this club has had a good season in the Premiership. You can look at teams like Birmingham City going for Europe and there's not a big difference between the rest of the clubs down from the top three. We are very much the same level.
The Greek international expressed a desire for the squad to remain together for the 2004-2005 season to keep up what has been a very solid spirit between the players in the dressing room and hoped the Bolton manager Sam Allardyce would bring in some fresh blood to improve the squad even further.
"There is a family spirit here at Bolton. Everyone helps the newer players and I would like to see most of the players stay here for next season. Mr Allardyce could also bring in others to take us further because I have ambitions.