The autobiographical book of the legendary Bulgarian football player Petar Zekhtinski, entitled "To play for others", was presented at a special ceremony in Plovdiv. The work was co-authored with sports journalist Diyan Nikiforov and was presented by the President of the Republic of Bulgaria (1997-2002) Petar Stoyanov, BTA reported.
The autobiographical book of the legendary Bulgarian football player Petar Zekhtinski, entitled "To play for others", was presented at a special ceremony in the First Studio of the Bulgarian National Radio - Radio Plovdiv. The work was co-authored with sports journalist Diyan Nikiforov and was presented by the President of the Republic of Bulgaria (1997 - 2002) Petar Stoyanov.
The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports - Dimitar Georgiev, the Mayor of Plovdiv - Kostadin Dimitrov, the Chairman of the Municipal Council of Plovdiv - Atanas Uzunov, the Deputy Mayor of Plovdiv - Nikolay Buhalov, the winner of the "Golden Ball" - Hristo Stoichkov, the former president of the Bulgarian Football Union - Valentin Mihov, numerous former football players, athletes and public figures.
Before the ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports awarded Zekhtinski with a special plaque, and President Stoyanov admitted that he and the legendary football player grew up together and distinguished his most vivid memory with him.
"The event is significant for me because Petyo Zekhtinski and I grew up together. I have been happy since I was a child with his successes. Since I am an old Botev fan, Petyo has always been an emblem of the team. In addition to all his professional qualities, he has maintained a modesty until now, which does him honor. My most vivid memory with him was the match with Bayern (Munich), when the captain of the German team Augenthaler took off his captain's armband and gave it to Zekhtinsky - that's how good Petyo Zekhtinsky was", said President Stoyanov.
The foreword to the book was written by the winner of the "Golden Ball" Hristo Stoichkov, who has never hidden that one of his dreams was to play together with Zekhtinsky.
"Petyo Zekhtinsky must be respected. I grew up with him, we remained friends. One is a good occasion, because he deserves it. He speaks of everyone he talks about in the book with great affection. Unfortunately, I was not able to play with him in the same team. That was my childhood dream. I am from Marijampole, but I also supported Botev. Plovdiv teams have always produced national players. I fell in love with Petar Zekhtinski's game because of the intelligence with which he played and distinguished himself. He was the brain of the team. I only wish him health. Whatever else can be said about him will be little. Football is temporary, friendship lasts until the grave", said Hristo Stoichkov.
The ceremony was hosted by the actor from the Plovdiv Theater Petar Toskov and the singer Andreana Bakalova.
Petar Zekhtinski, who celebrated his 70th birthday on September 15, is among the greatest legends of Plovdiv football. He has 351 matches with 39 goals in the Bulgarian football elite with the Botev Plovdiv team. He also played for Arda Kardzhali and the Cypriot Omonia.