Before the official start of his new challenge with Japan's Suntory Sunbirds, opposite hitter Wassim Ben Tara made interesting revelations about his parting with European club champion Sir Safety Perugia. In an extensive interview for Polish television TVP Sport, the Tunisian volleyball player with Polish roots categorically rejected president Gino Sirci's public version that the reason for his departure was financial demands, and stated that it was the Italian club that desired the separation.
Ben Tara reveals that he had an active two-year contract with Perugia, including for the 2026/27 season, and had not thought about a transfer at all.
"Before the 2025/26 season, it didn't even cross my mind to leave Perugia. I wasn't interested in other leagues because I had a contract for another season. Then what happened, happened. Suddenly I found myself on the transfer market," shared the opposite hitter.
According to him, everything started even before the Club World Championship, when information emerged that Perugia was looking for a new opposite hitter.
"The club wanted us to part ways," says Ben Tara, who admits that at a certain point he felt he was no longer wanted on the team.
The volleyball player emphasizes that he never had problems with his teammates or the coaching staff, and the reason for his disappointment was the attitude of president Gino Sirci.

"I wanted to be respected, because every player needs to feel respect and recognition for their work. It wasn't about the team or the staff. I liked the place, I felt great and wasn't looking for other offers. But the president's words and the way they were said affected me," recounts Ben Tara.
He is even more categorical regarding Sirci's claims that he had asked for a higher salary, which was why he left Perugia.
"I never negotiated a new contract with him. I never asked for more money. I had an active contract and had accepted the terms when I signed it. What he said is nonsense," the opposite hitter stated for TVP Sport.
The new volleyball player for Suntory Sunbirds also revealed that he was close to a transfer to Poland. He confirmed that he had held talks with PGE Projekt Warszawa, as well as with another Polish club whose name he refused to disclose.
Ultimately, Ben Tara chose Japan, explaining his decision not only by the development of the local league but also by his family's desire to live there. According to him, the Japanese league is already among the strongest in the world and will become even more competitive in the new season after the increase in the number of foreign players.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov