One of the biggest stars of Ukrainian volleyball, Oleh Plotnytskyi, announced that he intends to return to the national team. The Perugia outside hitter did this on the television showAfter Hoursin Italy.
When asked if he would continue to be out of Ukraine's squad in the upcoming period, he answered unequivocally:
"No, I'm returning this year."
The statement comes after a prolonged period during which Plotnytskyi refused call-ups for the national team. He himself gave a clear explanation for the situation:
"Every time they sent me call-ups, and I refused. After that, various reports started circulating. I thought that this wasn't good for the team either – people talk about me, and not about those who are actually playing," he commented.
Plotnytskyi emphasized that his decision is related to both personal factors and the desire to avoid tension around the team. He admits that his absence until now has created unnecessary noise and uncertainty around Ukraine's squad.
At the moment, however, there is no official confirmation from the Ukrainian federation. Clarity is expected by May 20, which is the deadline for submitting the extended squads for the Nations League.
Oleh Plotnytskyi's potential return also has direct significance for Bulgaria. The two teams will meet in the Nations League on June 28 in Ljubljana, and after that, they are also in the same group at the European Championship in Sofia. We remind you that in their last match in Burgas, Bulgaria lost to Ukraine 1:3 (25:20, 19:25, 24:26, 22:25), and this happened in the absence of the big star of the Ukrainians. His eventual return would significantly change the opponent's appearance in the upcoming clashes.