Eva Yaneva is one of the best and most loved Bulgarian volleyball players. Our star ended his career in “Volero” (Le Canet, France), where he played since 2019. Janeva started her career in CSKA, where she spent 8 seasons.
The national game then in Indesit (Russia), Cannes (France), Omichka (Russia), Dynamo (Moscow, Russia), JT Marvelous (Japan), Dynamo (Kazan, Russia), Bucharest (Romania), Tianjin (China), Sanier (Turkey), Guangdong Evergrande (China), Strabac (Slovakia) and Developes (Poland).
After the end of his career Yaneva gave a special interview for the official website of BF Volleyball.
– How was the first day without volleyball?
– It’s normal, I can’t say that he was very different from the others. After the match we gathered to say goodbye, to celebrate the end of the career. Unfortunately, I stopped volleyball without a title, but it was very emotional. They had prepared a great surprise for me. There were video greetings from family, nephews, former teammates. Thank you all! I hug them!
– What were the emotions of the last match?
– I deeply hoped that this would not be the last, but that we would move on. But alas… It’s sad. At the same time, I realize how far I’ve come. I asked myself how I survived 20 years physically only outside of Bulgaria. It’s not easy. You can’t beat age.
– Do you remember your last point?
– I really don’t remember her. I was focused on the match.
– What made you end your career?
– My health condition. Volleyball is not a contact sport, but it is extremely tiring. I have had lower back pain for several years. I felt that there was no way I could be full for a whole season. In that case, you just have to say “Done!”
– What are you most satisfied with and what are you most dissatisfied with during your years in volleyball?
– There is nothing I am dissatisfied with. All my memories are positive. So many years on the court – adrenaline, friendships. Volleyball helped me see almost the whole world. I fought the odds and got results.
– What is the moment you will never forget?
– They are a lot. But the European Championship in Plovdiv will forever remain special in my heart. I shared the emotions with the Bulgarian public. The support was incredible.
– To whom do you owe the most in sports?
– It’s hard to single out one person, because if I don’t list everyone, someone will be undeservedly left off the board. But I will answer the question! My first coach Maria Mineva! Without her, I wouldn’t be who I am today. She gave me the path to volleyball.
– Will you stay in volleyball or are you looking at a different field?
– I think I’ll stay. I have an offer from “Volero” to continue as sports director. I will help in the selection. I take it as a huge recognition because I am a foreigner. They appreciated what I did for the club and the sport. So this will be my next job.