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Samsung Grozdanov: "I wasn't drafted, but I think I'll play in the V-League"
Foreign attacker Blanimir Grozdanov (30, Bulgaria, registered name Grozdanov), chosen by Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance for the men's professional volleyball team, welcomed his entry into the V-League earlier than expected.
Grozdanov, who met with the joint reporting team in Shizuoka, Japan on the 10th while Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance continues its spring training, said, "I wasn't selected in the tryout, but I thought I could play in the V-League as a substitute player during the season," and "I came to the V-League sooner than expected. I will show my best skills and challenge for the championship."
In the 2024-2025 Men's Foreign Player Tryout & Draft held in May, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance nominated Matei Kok (registered name Matei), who played for Woori Card last season.
However, Matei's physical condition, which he had experienced upon his arrival in early August, was worse than expected.
There were concerns that the right knee injury could be long-term.
In the end, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance sent Matei back and brought in outside hitter Grozdanov.
Grozdanov said, "I wasn't drafted, but I saw many coaches worrying about my skills at the tryout site. I was confident that I would be able to play in the V-League someday." He added, "I thought I would play as a substitute during the season, but I signed a contract sooner than expected. Of course, I was really happy to hear from Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance. This is my first time playing in the Asian League, and I'm very excited about the new challenge."
Despite joining the team in a hurry and not being in perfect physical condition due to finger and back pain, Grozdanov is quickly adapting to Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance.
"I'm getting better every day," Grazdanov said. "There are still some areas where I need to adapt, but I'm getting better."
“I really enjoy living in Korea,” said Grazdanov, who enjoys Korean food and gets along well with his new teammates. “It’s just a shame that I can’t get along well with my teammates due to my injury.”
Grozdanov started his professional career with CSKA Sofia in 2012 and went on to play for Besiktas (Turkiye), Glodo Banka (Italy), Solhan Spor Kulubu and Hekimoglu (all in Turkiye), before moving on to the Bulgarian league last season, where he finished fourth in scoring.
The goal is clear.
"I want to show my best performance and best skills in every game," Grozdanov said. "I am looking forward to the 'season of a lifetime' where I can lift the championship trophy."