Ukrainian wrestler and European champion-2020 Semyon Novikov got Bulgarian passport and next season will be able to compete for another country. This was reported by the Bulgarian news agency Focus.
They noted that due to a recent shoulder surgery, it is not known when & # 8220; the young talent will be able to debut for the Bulgarian national team & # 8221 ;.
Novikov performs in weight up to 87 kg. The news agency indicated that in Ukraine Semyon fought for a place in the national team with two-time Olympic medalist Zhan Beleniuk.
On his Facebook page, Beleniuk himself has already commented on the information about Novikov's change of citizenship. Jean noted that in this life everyone chooses their own path.
– I, too, at one time was offered to play for different countries: Bulgaria, Russia, China, even Rwanda. The most exotic proposal was to support the Ukrainian Crimea annexed by the aggressor! Motivated by big & # 8220; compensations & # 8221; for the transition itself, a monthly salary, insane prize money for victories at the international level, & # 8212; Beleniuk told.
He added that after a number of suggestions he realized that & # 8220; there are things that money cannot buy & # 8221; .
– Feel like you come back from the competition! I am sure that it is a special pleasure to receive congratulations at home, I don’t know how from anyone, but I enjoy this moment, ”the athlete admitted.
Summing up, Jean wished Semyon Novikov success in his new national team and suggested that they might meet in Paris.
In November of this year, after news in the media about the change of citizenship, Novikov denied this information, but noted that he was ready to consider proposals from other countries.
