Former captain of the national volleyball team Tsvetan Sokolov will continue his career with Burgas-based "Dea Sport," reports "24 Chasa" newspaper. The experienced opposite hitter, who is already 36 years old, has chosen to return to Bulgaria despite serious interest from clubs in China, Russia, and Turkey.
Sokolov has an impressive international career behind him, spanning giants like Italy's "Trento," Turkey's "Halkbank," as well as Russia's "Zenit" (Kazan) and "Dynamo" (Moscow). With the national team, he won a bronze medal at the European Championship in 2009.
Last season, the opposite hitter represented "Halkbank," where, together with Matey Kaziyski and under the leadership of Radostin Stoychev, he reached the bronze medals in the Turkish championship.
Sokolov's signing with "Dea" was confirmed by the club's owner and president, Dr. Aleksandar Madzhurov. It was to "24 Chasa" that he revealed the contract is for one year with an option to extend for two more.
"Yes, we signed Tsetso Sokolov. He is a player with vast experience and achievements. His desire is to be close to his family and play in Bulgaria. He chose Burgas and "Dea," for which we thank him," stated Dr. Madzhurov.
The club continues to work on player selection for the new season, with it expected to be finalized by the end of May. Negotiations are underway with both foreign additions and Bulgarian players.