Volleyball running through his veins: Romania’s Chitigoi and the Bulgarian trace
#EuroVolleyM 2023 will be a special event for the 18-year-old Cristian-Daniel Chitigoi. The outside spiker and his Romania started their journey in Europe’s top national competition in Pool D, dropped a bombshell by becoming the only team that won against the Olympic champs of France in the group stage, and qualifying for the eight-finals in Varna, Bulgaria, where they locked horns with Croatia where they outclassed them in five sets. In the quarter-final game, the players of Sergiu Stancu will play against France again.
At the Black Sea coast, at the “Palace of Culture and sports”, Christian-Daniel felt almost at home, as he is closely related to Bulgaria. His mother, Radostina Chitigoi is a former Bulgarian volleyball player, leader of the women’s national team for many years, while his father, Cristian Chitigoi is currently a head coach, who used to play professionally as well. Both Radostina and Cristian performed as outside spikers, and their son is following in his parents’ footsteps.
Playing the eight-finals in Varna, Cristian-Daniel was supported by his mother and family.
Cristian-Daniel Chitigoi“We feel amazing here. The atmosphere in the hall was outstanding. Now, we need to look forward and to prepare the quarter-final.”
“We would have wanted to play against Bulgaria in the quarter-final, because we would have loved to play in front of the home crowds. The fans here created an amazing atmosphere. And to me, personally, the feeling would have been very special.”
Cristian-Daniel evaluates the performance of Romania on a high note.
Cristian-Daniel Chitigoi“I wanted so badly that we reached this phase but I don’t know how many people believed that we will reach that stage. We are here and that’s so good for us.”
The victory against France in the pool stage is something special to Cristian and his teammates.
Cirstian-Daniel Chitigoi“Being the only team that has seized a win over the reigning Olympic champs so far, gives us an additional motivational boost.”
Standing at 200cm tall, Cristian started playing at the age of 10.
“I started with Volleyball eight years ago. I like everything about Volleyball - it is just my favourite thing to do.”
Being in Varna together with the national team is a dream come true to Cristian.
“Since I was a small kid, I remembered my mum playing in this sports hall. I wanted to play on the same court as her, and it happened.”
With Volleyball running through his veins, Cristian-Daniel pays a lot of attention to the advices his parents give him.
Cristian-Daniel Chitigoi“My favourite piece of advice is to stay always focused on the team and on the sport only. And that if I want to really become something, a good player, I need to keep that mindset.”
The future looks bright for the young Chitigoi as from the next season he will play in Poland, being part of the club of the reigning #CLVolleyM champions of ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle.
“There is a lot of work behind the contract with Zaksa, many trainings and many hours of dedication.”
Cristian is not planning on stopping there and aims high.
Cristian-Daniel Chitigoi“I want to play in the first team someday. I know it will be extremely hard, but I am ready to work a lot, and to try to become better day after day.”