Bulgarian National Player Continues Career in Italy

Bulgarian national volleyball player Vladimir Grkov has decided to continue his career in Italy. The 22-year-old, who spent his first season abroad with French team Saint Nazaire, will now play for Italian club Joy Volley (Joy del Cole). The news was announced directly by Grkov himself.

The team, which previously competed in Serie A3, has moved up to a higher division after purchasing a new license. In Joy del Cole, Grkov will be joined by his compatriot Boris Nachev.

"I chose this team because I was attracted to the project they are planning for the new season. I believe this transfer to a highly competitive league like Serie A2 in Italy will be beneficial for me. I'm also happy to have another Bulgarian with me," Grkov told BGvolleyball.com.

The national selector, Gianlorenzo Blengini, played a significant role in Grkov's decision.

"It happened quite quickly - I had a conversation with the selector Blengini, and I decided this would be the perfect place for me to take the next step in my career," Grkov added.

Last season, Grkov finished in an unenviable 13th place with Saint Nazaire, and he expressed mixed emotions about the experience.

"It was a good season for me, but we didn't finish where we wanted to be. I have many positive feelings with the team. For my first transfer abroad, I'm pleased - I played in a strong league like the French league," Grkov concluded.

Before his transfer to France, the young national player was part of Levski Sofia from 2019, joining at nearly 16 years old. He came from Victoria Volley, the product of whose school he is.

An interesting detail is that the former Bulgarian national team selector Plamen Konstantinov played for Joy del Cole in Serie A1.