Excerpts from an article published in Bulgarian newspaper “24 hours”.
Transfer Sensation: Bulgarian signs for Brazilian Giants
19-year-old defender, Stoyan Ninov, has the unique opportunity to be the first Bulgarian to establish himself in the Brazilian League, and not just with any club, but with a giant like Internacional .
For the very first time, a Bulgarian will be playing for a Brazilian team. This sensational transfer is a fact after one of the biggest young talents in Bulgarian football, Stoyan Ninov, signed a contract with the 2006 World Club Champions, Internacional (Porto Alegre).
“Stoyan will be flying to Brazil where he will stay at least until the end of the year after signing a contract. Initially he will join up with the reserves where he will be monitored by First Team Manager, Tete, and his assistants. We have an understanding with the management of Internacional that the contract will be extended for another two years in the winter, provided that Stoyan shows his full potential and manages to adapt to the South American football” said Iani Dimitrov, who is the agent of the 19-year-old defender.
Despite the fact that Ninov has played several games for the Bulgarian Under-19 National Team, Ninov is not very well known in Bulgaria due to the fact that right up to the last eight months he has been living and playing in Italy. Stoyan has grown up in Italy playing for Varese. During his time there he has also played for Italian giants, Inter Milan. Ninov will now continue his career with another “Inter” but this time in far away Brazil.
The contract of the Bulgarian was signed personally by the Internacional President, Vitorio Carlos Costi Piffero. Ninov will be the only European player registered with the Brazilian giant. The club’s reserve team, which includes players aged under 20, is managed by Osmar Loss, has only a Columbian and the first team includes several Argentinians and a player from Uruguay.
Internacional is one of the highest profile teams in Brazil and is currently fourth in the Brazilian Serie “A” six points behind the leaders Palmeiras. Over the years the Internacional shirt has been worn by players like Alexandre Pato, Dunga, Falcao, Tafarel and Lucio.