The new addition to CSKA Teodor Ivanov hopes to surpass the successes of his father and grandfather in the club, BTA reported.
Teodor Ivanov is the grandson of the legendary goalkeeper of the "Reds" Iliya Valov and son of the team's former defender Valentin Iliev, who scored an emblematic goal for CSKA in the victory against the European club champion Liverpool with 1:0 at "Anfield" in 2005.
"What my grandfather and father have done in CSKA burdens me with a great responsibility. Their achievements are my true motivation to achieve even more than them. My father told me that he, like all his teammates in his time, left his heart on the field. This was perhaps one of his strongest qualities“, Teodor reveals in his first interview for CSKA's media channels.
He speaks with excitement about his “red” DNA and admits that he sees himself in his dreams with his arms outstretched in victory – like his father at “Anfield“: “I have watched this goal many times and I have cried with emotion many times. This is something unique, I get excited as if I were in his place. My dream is for this to really happen one day and for me to be on the field of such a European giant“.
The family name is obligatory, and with him the burden is double, but the talented defender seems confident in himself. “I wouldn't call it a burden, the advantages of being from a football family with such legends are certainly many. But there is also the opposite - the pressure to constantly strive to be better, to protect the name of both, but also to show that you can be better and surpass them. My father said that if I want to make it in this team, I have to give 100 percent and leave everything of myself on the field, regardless of whether I played a good or bad match. The important thing is to give everything for the team, for the fans and for the jersey“, shares Teodor.
Outwardly, he is a copy of his father and it is certainly no coincidence that he plays in his position, and he also took his number in CSKA (14): “When I was little, they didn't take me to Sofia for matches - my father was afraid that something would happen to me in the stands because of the agitators. But my grandfather used to take me to the stadium of Mizia (Knezha) - the football team from his hometown. I wanted to become a goalkeeper like him. He taught me how to dive, how to catch the ball, how to pass... all the subtleties of goalkeeping. When I was 13-14 years old at the CSKA academy, the coaches put me as a central defender. That's where I really feel best, that's my position. Apparently God decided so“.
Teodor is already part of the first team of the “army“ and his ambitions are definitely big. “I feel incredible since I've been in the team. At first I was worried about how the guys would accept me, but everyone treated me great - both my teammates and the coaches. I hope we have a strong season and achieve the successes that the fans want. From my previous stay at CSKA, I know Yoan Bornosuzov and Georgi Chorbadzhiyski. I am extremely happy that we are together in the same team again and I hope that all three of us will get a chance in the new season. We will certainly prove that we deserve every minute on the pitch. The fact that I am the first new signing of the club in the summer brings additional expectations, but I am used to the pressure. I think I can give a lot to this team“, the talented defender is sure.
The difficulties are still ahead, but he is aware that the chance at CSKA must be earned: “My first impressions are that everything is set on a very professional basis. I met Dusan Kerkez in person only a few days ago, but from what I knew before and what I see now, I am sure that it will really work as it should. If you don't put in all your effort and don't want to play with all your heart, it won't happen“.
Teodor stood out in his first appearance with the red team, after scoring the goal for CSKA in the 1:1 draw against Shkendija. The youngster also deserved praise for his overall performance in the match. “I'm glad that in the unofficial debut I managed to score my first goal. I hope to score more goals during the season and help the team win its matches. We still have some tough test matches here in Slovenia, but I'm confident in the abilities of the CSKA players. I think we'll show a good face“, he hopes.
His father was known as a true fighter on the field. A strong spirit is what Theodore values the most: “I spent about a year in Italy. This period helped me build my character. I got a serious injury and didn't have the opportunity to train and play. I found myself alone in a country that I don't know and don't speak the language. But this gave me the opportunity to convince myself that I can handle a lot of things. In terms of character, I might resemble Sergio Ramos. In terms of playing style, there's still a lot to be desired (laughs). But a strong character is definitely one of the most important things for a footballer“.