With the likes of Salparov and Bratoev retiring, rising stars like Nikolov take over in inspiring kids’ love for volleyball

Libero Teodor Salparov (41 years old) and setter Georgi Bratoev (35 years old) announced that they were retiring from the Bulgarian national team. They did it with a microphone in hand from the court, immediately after losing to Olympic champion France and being eliminated from the men’s CEV EuroVolley 2023, while the packed hall in Varna chanted their names for a long time.

"My adventure with the national team started right here 20 years ago, when I played my first match for Bulgaria in Varna. And this was my last one. Thank you for the incredible emotions," said Salparov.

"Hats off to you! You have always been amazing. The best audience in the world! I will miss you! Now it is the time to make way for the young. Thank you for everything," said Bratoev with tearful eyes.

The sparkle in children's eyes - this was the biggest victory for Bulgaria at EuroVolley 2023 in Varna. The match against Olympic champions France was long over, it was dark outside, but the space around the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna turned into a sea of kids longing to meet the Bulgarian national team, an ocean of emotions.

The Bulgarian internationals gave away literally every single one of their practice shirts, their official kits, even their sneakers, to volleyball-loving kids. It was priceless to see the happiness in the kids’ eyes when they had their precious volleyball gifts in their hands. It was time for lots of photos and long autograph sessions. All Bulgarian volleyball players said their ‘thank you’ to the great audience and gave a moment of well-deserved attention to every willing child.

The team had to go, but rising 19-year-old Bulgarian star Aleksandar Nikolov continued to be surrounded by numerous children. And he stayed behind. He stayed for a long time. Even when the lights inside the Palace went out, he was still there, in front of the hall. When the last happy fan, big or small, left satisfied, Aleks talked about this special emotion.

"It's very gratifying that there are so many people who support us and support me. I'm proud of the fact that I've never refused anyone an autograph because I don't consider myself a star or a person who doesn't give back the love that the fans show," said Aleks Nikolov.

"It was a unique experience in Varna. It's a shame about the result, but I'm very happy that I had the opportunity to play on Bulgarian soil, here in Varna, in front of this incredible audience," he added. “But the passion in these kids’ eyes is our victory. It is not just a victory, it's a spectacular victory! The more they sign up to play volleyball, the more talented children will come out. And they will be inspired to get to play matches in front of such an audience as in Varna. I hope we have helped ignite these children’s desire to take on volleyball."

"As a child, I had the privilege of being able to meet our volleyball players both in the hotels and in the dressing rooms,” the eldest son of legendary Bulgarian opposite Vladimir Nikolov continued. “But if I have to point out one, with whom I had the most memorable opportunity to take pictures as a kid, it will certainly be Matey Kaziyski.”