2024-02-16 13:45:28
The hope for better times for Bulgarian volleyball, Alex Nikolov, has re-signed his contract with the Italian “Cucine Lube” (Civitanova), the emblematic club announced on its official page. The new contract is until 2028, and the old one expired after the end of the next season.
The forward, who can also play diagonally, arrived at the Boot in the summer of 2022, when he was 18, from the American “Long Beach”. Before that, he played for “Levski”, whose junior he is.
Alex very quickly established himself in “Lube” and played regularly in one of the strongest volleyball championships in the world, even though he was still a teenager.
Now 20 years old, Nikolov is a key figure in the composition of Gianlorenzo Blengini, who after the end of the season takes over the Bulgarian national team.
Last year, Alex reached the silver medals in the championship with “Lube”. He was voted the MVP of the semi-final phase. He also became the most valuable player for December in the Italian championship during the current campaign.
“I am very happy and thank Lube for this new opportunity. I would like to express my gratitude to those who have helped me by supporting me to get this far.
In Italy I am developing as a player and a person. I will continue to work on myself to improve my technique and be even more mentally prepared.
I consider Civitanova my home. It is important for me to have the trust of general manager Beppe Cormio, of everyone in the staff, as well as to be able to count on the warm support of fans. They are close to the team and help us overcome difficulties.
I want to make them happy. I dream of winning a title with “Lube” and thus laying the foundations of a successful cycle!”, shared Alex after signing the contract.
Lube are implementing a plan aimed at rejuvenating the squad and a boy with the qualities of Alex, who turned 20 just 2 months ago, is an important part of it.
The extension of the contract until 2028 is a sign of the growth and commitment of the player, but also of the good work of the club and the sense of the right person that we have shown.
Nikolov, who is destined to become one of the best players in volleyball, will make his way as a top player here at Civitanova. Over the course of a few years, his maturation will be evident. We are extremely pleased that he is with us, because we consider him a very important part of our team”, said Beppe Cormio.
It is interesting that in 2007 he brought Alex’s father Vlado Nikolov to Trento, and our volleyball legend became a champion with this team and then with Cuneo.