Interview

Hristo Stoichkov:
"I Wasn't Suited to Work in Bulgaria, Because They Couldn't Control Me"

18.12.2000
The biggest name of Bulgarian football, Hristo Stoichkov, left his country yesterday. The 34-year-old ace of the American Chicago Fire went back to his family in Barcelona after spending a week in Bulgaria. He arrived at the Bulgarian airport at precisely 15.55 in a black Mercedes escorted by a police car. With him were his closest friends headed by his best man, retired Bulgarian referee Atanas Uzunov at who's farewell match Stoichkov appeared. Entering the VIP, Stoichkov first greeted the airport service personnel. They took his luggage right away while he smilingly ordered a window seat. Then, he gave out an autograph to a child who was staring at him straight in the eye. Hristo tried to look happy but he couldn't hide his exhaustion and lousy mood.

Mr. Stoichkov, you seem dismal. Why is that?
I was sick. Yesterday, I had a fever of 40 degrees Centigrade and I feel really ill. Obviously I have trouble standing the mud and dirt in Bulgaria.

Which dirt are you referring to?
The one that is all over this place. I'm sad, because I will forever be Bulgarian, and would never stop loving my homeland. But everything here is muddied with unclean intentions

Are you leaving with this impression?
I'm striving to remember the better experiences. For example, I've met true friends here and spent with them lots of good times.

Are you drawn back to Bulgaria because of your friends?
Yes, for the most part, because few of them can travel abroad. When I have the chance, I manage to bring some of them with me to Spain or America so that we can meet.

How do you feel about your closest friends like Lubo Penev? Are you still that close?
Currently, we have nothing in common.

Don't you miss him?
I'll always miss Lubo, but I don't like the people who are currently in charge of CSKA. That is why I don't want to be there. For me to go in and give cash to people, it's not going to happen. Still, CSKA will forever be in my heart. It must be emphasized that I'll never forget CSKA.

Let's change the subject. In an interview with Sport Express the Ukrainian of Chicago Fire, Dima Kovalenko, said that he idolizes you. He said that you promised to help him with a transfer to a top European club. Does this mean you are taking on managerial duties?
No, I will continue playing until 2002. I would help Dima, who is a great and talented guy, but only as a friend.

How would you compare Kovalenko to the Bulgarian youngsters?
He is quite good, better than most here.

Does this mean that Bulgarian football is waning in term of talent?
Yes, they are leaving.

Why?
Because this is how everything is structured here. Everyone is thinking day by day and not in the long run.

It seems that you have declined helping with this issue in Bulgaria?
It is quite the opposite, in fact. I had the great desire and ambition to invest all of my experience in Bulgaria, but was rejected by some incompetent people in high places. Therefore, it is better for me to remain outside of Bulgarian football.

Why weren't you suited for working in Bulgaria?
I wasn't suited to work in Bulgaria, because they couldn't control me. That was their weakspot and their biggest problem. I left because I decided to stop them from using me as they did until now.

Why did they even treat you like that?
Because of personal interests of gain which they wouldn't have had if I was here. Because I wanted to work in a professional manner and they wanted to command me.

When do you think will this change?
Not in the next ten years. Bulgarian sport will get even worse. We currently have a couple of clubs who play well, while we kid ourselves that we have football. Everything is looked down upon. If we get a talented player, he is sold right away because of money. No one is thinking about the future of the club but about the quick money. A lot of patience and work are needed for things to run well, but we don't have that in Bulgaria. For example, I waited and busted my ass for many, many years and now I am at the place where I should be. And it is no surprise that the people from outside Bulgaria respect me so much more.

It shows that you are hurt by this fact, but why are the Bulgarians not as happy for you as the foreigners?
Because of envy. That is the worst thing in a person is most characteristic of a Bulgarian. I am convinced that I'll never be forgiven here for all that I have achieved.

Don't you miss the Bulgarian love?
Not anymore.

What are you planning for the future?
I'm trying not to make any plans. I simply hope for the good health of me and my family. For now, I'll keep playing and scheme later.

What drives you to keep playing?
My love for the game

When will you revisit Bulgaria?
I don't know. When I have time.

by Iva Dimitrova. 7 Days Sport.