14 years after Vladimir Nikolov won the Italian Volleyball Cup with Cuneo, his eldest son Alex did the same. The young Bulgarian national player played a key role in Lube Civitanova's 3:2 victory over Verona in front of 12,000 spectators at the Unipol Arena in Bologna. For Alex, the success holds special value. It was his first among men in his career, coming 7 months after a severe disc herniation surgery that put his sports path into question. Immediately after the final, the Bulgarian was the first to be interviewed by Rai Sport after the match, which clearly showed the Italian colleagues' appreciation for his performance. After taking time for photos with fans in the hall, Nikolov spoke specifically to the readers of "Tema Sport."

Petar STOYANOV

Special correspondent of "Tema Sport" in Bologna

- Alex, congratulations on your success! Before the tournament started, I had wished for a Bulgarian final, but it seemed unlikely. What was your mindset when you arrived in Bologna on Friday?

- Definitely with the mindset to show a high level of volleyball, to fight against the Trentino team, who show that they are currently ahead of us in terms of material. We showed will, they played a weak match, and we qualified for the final. The bigger surprise was actually Verona's qualification. And in the end, we had a great Cup match with comebacks, more comebacks, and third comebacks. It was a magnificent tournament. All three matches ended in 5 sets, which is indicative.

- The emotion must be incomparable - we're talking about your first ever senior trophy. What are you experiencing minutes after the match?

- Before, I used to wonder about people who said they were speechless, but now I'm truly speechless. I've been with Lube for three years, our first trophy. We lost 3 or 4 finals. And finally, I managed to win a major award that will forever remain in our hall of fame. And I remain forever in Lube's history, which was my goal. I don't know what else to say. I'm speechless. An incredible feeling.

- We must say that this time you were not among the favorites at all. Of the four teams, you were given chances only after Perugia and Trentino.

- We weren't, no. But the favorites don't always win. As happened in this tournament.

- Your role during the two days of the tournament was interesting. You didn't start as a starter, but you managed to contribute as much as possible.

- Yes, this was a tournament where I could easily have played as a starter. The technical choice was not to start in the main six, but to help from the bench. And it turned out to be the right move. In both matches, I managed to come in and give my best. And to energize the team with fresh energy.

- How do you switch when in one set they put you as opposite, in another as a receiver, and then again as an opposite?

- I won't lie to you - I haven't done a full training as an opposite since April last year. Before I got injured. Today (in the final, editor's note) everything was on instinct. It worked out.

- You didn't have much time to exchange a few words with your father after the match. Your success comes 14 years after his Cup with Cuneo.

- Yes, we saw each other for a minute. But for me, it was important that he was here in the hall along with my mother, my grandmother, my brother, my sister, my girlfriend (at that moment she appears and hugs him). Everyone I care about was in the hall.

- And we must say - beyond family support, there was great support from the stands.

- Yes, there were many Bulgarians in the stands too. The largest group in the hall after the Italian one was ours. And that support energized me a lot.

- We spoke 3 months ago when you returned to play after the surgery and the toughest period of your career. Have you managed to regain your confidence during this time?

- I would even say that this was the toughest period of my life, not just my career. Those months were hard. There was mental strain from the fact that I wasn't who I was before the injury. At least in the last 3 months I wasn't, but I'm starting to get back in shape. But that bothered me and it was difficult. In the final, however, I showed a game as I want to see myself - inspired, brave, with a jump and strength.

- The change Giampaolo Medei made was the team spirit. You yourself admitted it in our last interview. Do you still hold that opinion after this tournament?

– Yes, so far this entire season it has been evident that this team relies on absolutely everyone. Without relying on an unshakeable core six. Both methods work, but it depends on the situation you are in.

– The other difference I see is the change in policy. Before, Lube used to pick the cream of the crop in volleyball, now they are building a young team of talented boys.

– Yes, a total rejuvenation was done. And the fact that with this young team we managed to win a major title relatively quickly, for me, shows that the strategy works.

– What is the most valuable thing you learned in the time from your injury in April until the moment you lifted the Italian Cup above your head?

– To be healthy. And not to give up. I learned that in these months. Even though there are difficult moments. And in the end, the results come.

– And what was the most valuable lesson?

– I will answer this question in the same way – that you must not give up. There were moments when you started to wonder if you would ever be able to play again. And the fact that I am here today is a gift.

– Did you reach the point of giving up?

– According to the doctors, I was done. It was tough, I didn't give up and here I am.

– What is the next goal?

– We move forward. We have to win the Challenge Cup and the title in Italy.

– Does the Scudetto seem more achievable now after this tournament?

– Even if we exclude winning the Cup, the team lately, not only in this tournament, has shown a very high level of play. That's what's important. And we showed that we are at the level, if not above other teams.

– And your brother is shining in the States. Are you following him closely?

– Yes, we talk every day. He enjoys the game a lot, and he is also very charismatic. He manages to attract a lot of attention to himself, which I am very happy about. And I can't wait to finally have a summer where we play together with the national team.

– Is there anything special you need to follow as a program after the surgery?

– Non-stop exercises, non-stop attention to the lower back. You can't stay in a sitting position for a long time, or in a lying position.

– Does the operation limit you, do you feel anything like that?

– Before I do my exercises, I feel it quite a bit. After that, it's almost normal. Almost.

– That is, this thing will be with you constantly.

- I hope it won't be, but 99% it will be. It's a back, it's constantly stressed.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov and CEV