Stoitchkov Joins D.C. United
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Stoitchkov will act as one of United's assistant coaches, as well as a field player. |
CHANTILLY, VA (January 27, 2003) - D.C. United today finalized a trade with the Chicago Fire that brings forward Hristo Stoitchkov to the club. In return, United has given Chicago its second round pick in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft. United has announced that in addition to his role on the pitch as a player, Stoitchkov will also serve as the club’s second assistant coach for the 2003 season.
“We are excited to be bringing Hristo on board for many reasons,” said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. “His experience at the highest levels of soccer in the world will be a welcome addition to our organization in his new role as player/assistant coach.”
Stoitchkov, 36, is widely regarded as one of the most passionate and entertaining performers the sport has ever seen. Having played around the world for over 20 years, he joined the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer in 2000 and instantly became a fan favorite and one of the league’s most dangerous players. Though injuries plagued him in his three seasons in America’s top-flight league, Stoitchkov still managed to be productive in Chicago, scoring 49 points (17 goals, 15 assists) in 51 appearances, only 28 of which he was named to the starting eleven. In 2002, Stoitchkov made six starts for Chicago in 16 matches and tallied two goals and three assists.
“I’m very excited to be with D.C. United this season and look forward to being a part of something special here,” said Stoitchkov. “However, my family (wife-Mariana and daughters-Michelle, 14, and Hristina,11) and home will remain in Chicago.”
Stoitchkov’s lengthy career has seen him earn accolades and titles all over the globe. The native of Plovdiv, Bulgaria started his playing career in 1977 for his hometown team of Maritza Plovdiv. Since then, Stoitchkov has suited up for first division teams in Bulgaria (CSKA Sofia, 1985-90, 1998), Spain (Barcelona 1990-95, 1996-98), Italy (Parma, 1995-96), Saudi Arabia (Al Nasar, 1998), and Japan (Kashiwa Reysol, 1998-99) before signing with MLS in 2000.
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Stoitchkov and fellow countryman Galin Ivanov were presented to the public in a Tuesday press conference. |
Stoitchkov’s individual and team accomplishments are an impressive list that few players in the history of the game could match. As a member of the Bulgarian National Team, Stoitchkov earned the Golden Boot as the top scorer of FIFA World Cup USA ’94 and helped his country to a surprise fourth place finish in the event. Stoitchkov’s place as one of the best footballers of the last decade was confirmed after he won the Golden Onze, awarded to the world’s best footballer, in 1992. That same year Stoitchkov was given the Silver Globe from FIFA as the world’s second best player, and he was awarded the same prize two years later in 1994. Stoitchkov was also awarded with the Golden Ball in 1994, which goes to the best football player in Europe. Throughout his lengthy career, Stoitchkov has led his clubs to over 40 titles in domestic and international competitions.
“Hristo brings United a motherload of world class experience and majestic skill,” said United Head Coach Ray Hudson. “He’s a living legend and will be an inspiration on and off of the field – plus he’s a lion-heart.”
In other personnel news, D.C. United has made two additional moves to its front office roster in preparation for the 2003 season. Team administrator Ray Trifari has been promoted within the organization and has assumed the title of Director of Team Administration. Trifari has been a member of the D.C. United staff since its inception in 1996. D.C. United also announced that Francisco Tobar has been named the club’s new equipment manager. Tobar replaces Charles Raycroft, a six-year member of the Black-and-Red’s staff, who has moved to Chicago to take over as the equipment manager of the Fire.
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