9.6.2004
Hristo Stoichkov: "Beat your opponent and he will respect you!"
The most successful Bulgarian footballer, Hristo Stoichkov has officially put an end to his active career as a player. He gave a detailed interview right after his farewell match between the Barcelona Allstars and "The World" team.
After your farewell match at Camp Nou, your last words were "This is Bulgaria"...
That was an impulse. It was not planned in any way, I spoke from my heart. I just wanted to thank the thousands of Bulgarians who showed up at Camp Nou at this very special for me moment. I saw many happy people waving the national banner. I felt their presence during the entire match and want to thank them once more!
Your farewell match had about 30,000 spectators. Were you satisfied with the attendance?
It was expected and quite normal. The average attendance of Barca has been 70,000 since the last ten games or so. For a footballer who has not played here in 5 years, I think the attendance was good.The atmosphere was also great.The club's gift shop sold thousands of number 8 shirts with my name.This was a record considering that I am not currently a player for Barca.
How much were the profits from your farewell match?
The exact sum is still undetermined but no individual will gain money from my farewell match.All profits will go towards charity.
Many football stars are currently involved with preparation for Euro 2004. Was this an appropriate time for your farewell match?
No other dates were available.The Spanish Primera Division ended a week ago.My farewell match featured a lot of "old dogs."I thought that the fans would be interested in seeing their former idols.Hopefully, we didn't embarrass ourselves too much.
After 20 years of professional football, you are finally retired. How have the years changed you?
Hardly! The fighter in me will never die. Much time has passed but my spirit has not left. Maybe that is why I want to become a coach and remain involved in matches on a weekly basis. I want to feel the pressure in the locker room. This is more than a drug to me. Even if I tried, there is no way I can change that.
Your hair is turning gray but you have not changed...
I will tell you one thing: whether I have black hair or white hair, the "mad boy" will live inside me forever. It will always be like that. Even if I had the hairstyle of Yordan Letchkov, my ambition will never subside. I do have to admit that since I moved to the US, I have become more settled, even calm. But when it comes down to winning, I instantly explode. It doesn't matter if I am fishing, golfing or playing in a small-sided match.
Is that why you have been publicly provoking Real Madrid since you came back to Barcelona?
In sports, the media is a weapon. If you get provoked and can't handle it, you will die before the match has even started! Today's football replaces the gladiator fights of the past. Thank God there are no casualties, but the spectators still want excitement.
What was your most painful loss?
I don't want to remember.I have lost 0-4 at two occasions, with Barcelona and with the Bulgarian national team.That is all I have to say.
What was your biggest miss?
The most important things, I have always reached. I own over 60 cups and trophies. Apart from that, I remember playing with Al Nassar for the Asian cup and the prince of Saudia Arabia promised a latest model Mercedes to the first player who scores. I earned a penalty for my team by the fifth minute of play. One guy was getting ready to execute the penalty so I took the ball from his hands and told him "Go rest in the shade." I struck the post and had to leave without the Mercedes.
The biggest mistake of your life?
There isn't one.I have erred a lot, but I always have the strength to apologize.I have always spoken what was on my mind.I am not a coward and I am not afraid to express my opinion.Even if it is not correct.
Fame, how do you deal with it?
Is it a problem?It is definitely better than being nobody.To be recognized across the world is great, but if you convince yourself that you are God, you will burn out quickly.
People condemn your character. They say you are harsh, especially with the media...
If I have insulted any journalist, I would like to apologize to him right now. This is an appropriate time, right? But I would like to ask you, the media, aren't you harsh as well? Do you always play by the rules? Put yourself in my shoes. Wherever you go, everyone is pulling you by the sleeve, asking you for an autograph, for photos and for God knows what. How would you react? If you are nervous, it is possible to lose control. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. But I do have solid reasons.
When you look in the mirror, do you say to yourself "You are great"?
I am not that crazy, yet.Recently, I have been saying to myself "Hristo, buddy, you are getting older...But you still have your deadly left foot!"
What do you fear?
I have one fear only, my family. Nowadays, the world has gone mad. I only want my daughters to be happy and realize their dreams. I left them in USA last February, along with my wife. Upon my departure, they gave me a bracelet. It was some sort of charm, specifically for my protection. Since I've started wearing it, Barca is winning and I have no problems. Not long ago, I reunited with my family and they were alive and well.
What is your motto?
I like to take charge, instead of discussing my ideas. Regardless of that, I have realized a few things. My rule of thumb is "Beat your opponent and (if he not Bulgarian) he will respect you!" That is how I earned respect in Barcelona's locker room. I also found that if a sweating person stops drinking water, do not rely on him. I never feel regret or provide excuses. If you dislike me, you might have ignored my farewell match. But for those who were there for me, I would like to say "Thank you!" Throughout my career, I might have been too fiery at times or been upset at people... But I have discovered one fact: wherever a Bulgarian goes, he will always be Bulgarian. It will be difficult to change him. And why change him in the first place? You saw how much respect I received at my farewell match.