Bulgarian national Georgi Tatarov is officially a new addition to the Italian Allianz (Milan). The club's website announced the finalization of the deal, after it was reported more than a month ago that the Bulgarian outside hitter would likely continue his career with the Milan club.
23-year-old Tatarov, 200 centimeters tall, arrives at Allianz after a year and a half in the Italian SuperLega with Yuasa Battery Grottazzolina. In the second half of the past season, he finished the campaign with Turkish Galatasaray, led by the legendary Andrea Gardini.
In Italy, the Bulgarian left an excellent impression with 48 matches and 478 points. He surpassed the 20-point mark three times in a SuperLega match, with his best performance being 23 points against Allianz (Milan) in November 2024. He repeated the same achievement during an away game against Trento in February this year. In January 2025, he also earned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the victory over Padua.
Tatarov's career began in the CSKA academy, after which he played for Turkish Altekma and French Narbonne, before joining Grottazzolina. With the Bulgarian national team, he is already among the leading players and was part of the squad that won silver medals at the World Championship in 2025.
During his official presentation, the Bulgarian national confessed that two of his biggest role models in volleyball are Matey Kaziyski and Todor Skrimov.
"These are certainly players I have always admired. I tried to learn from them and I hope one day to reach their level, perhaps right here in Milan," Tatarov stated.
He further emphasized that his main position is outside hitter, but he is ready to help the team wherever needed.
"Throughout my career, I have most often played as an outside hitter, but I am ready to help the team in another position if necessary."
The Bulgarian revealed that he has already had his first conversation with head coach Guillermo Falasca.
"We've already had a pleasant first conversation and discussed the upcoming season. We will get to know each other even better in the gym."
The new addition is also impressed by the club's ambitions.
"I think we are an excellent combination of young players and players with vast international experience. This is a club accustomed to fighting for high goals both in the league and in European tournaments. I believe we can have a truly successful season."
Although he doesn't know Milan well yet, Tatarov already has excellent impressions of the atmosphere in the Allianz Cloud arena.
"I can't say I know the city well, but I really like Allianz Cloud and the atmosphere I felt when I played there as an away team."
Currently, Georgi Tatarov is with the Bulgarian national team, preparing for the third week of the Nations League, and he sent a short message to the fans of his new club:
"I am currently with the national team, preparing for the upcoming international matches. Dear Milan fans, I can't wait to feel the energy you will bring to our games. See you soon!"
Thus, for Bulgarian fans, local derbies between Milan and Monza are coming up, with recent teammates from Grottazzolina – Iliya Petkov (Monza) and Georgi Tatarov (Milan) – facing each other.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
