One of the most emblematic Serbian volleyball players of the 21st century A Marko Podraščanin, officially announced the end of his competitive career. After more than two decades at the highest level, the middle blocker decided to close a remarkable chapter of his life, but emphasized that he remains connected to volleyball in the future (Podraščanin is tipped to succeed Lube's current sports director Beppe Cormio ed.).
The news of his retirement from active competitive activity was personally announced by him through an emotional message on social media, in which he takes stock of his journey from a boy captivated by the magic of the game to one of the most successful Serbian volleyball players in history.
Podraščanin recounts that his first contact with professional volleyball was in 1998, when his father took him to the Champions League Final Four in Novi Sad. Just two years later, inspired by the Olympic title of then-Yugoslavia in Sydney, he began training at Vojvodina A the club where his big dreams were born.
"I started dreaming that one day I would wear the national jersey and play for the most prestigious clubs in Italy. I fell in love with this dream and decided to always give my maximum," shares the former national team player.
Over the years, Podraščanin established himself as one of the best middle blockers in the world. His career took him through some of the biggest clubs on the planet, and with the Serbian national team, he won numerous accolades and became one of the leaders both on and off the court.
In his address, he admitted that the path was far from easy. There were times when physical strain cast doubt on his ability to continue, but his will and love for the game always made him rise again.
Besides his sporting successes, volleyball gave him the opportunity to see the world, meet people who later became true friends, and build his family. Podraščanin dedicates a special place in his message to his wife Milena, whom he describes as his greatest support throughout his career. They have lived in Italy for years, where their children Mila and Matija were born.
"Volleyball taught me values that made me not only a better athlete but also a better person. I hope I have been an example for the young. If at least one child believed they could follow their dreams by watching my path, then everything had meaning," the Serbian legend further writes.
Thus ends the career of one of the symbols of Serbian volleyball A a player who leaves behind an impressive collection of trophies, countless memorable matches, and a name that will forever remain in the history of the game.

photo: Nikolay Varadinov