Oleg Plotnitsky will no longer play for the “blue-yellows”.
Former captain of the Ukrainian national volleyball team Oleg Plotnitsky announced the end of his career in the national team.
The 27-year-old star athlete announced this on his Facebook page.
“Friends, colleagues, fans, volleyball community of Ukraine and the world. Today I want to address you and share my thoughts about the path I have taken as part of the Ukrainian national volleyball team.
These were not just years in the national team uniform – these were incredibly emotional, productive and unforgettable times. I still get goosebumps when I remember our Euro U-20 in 2016, the historic quarter-final appearance at the European Championship and the World Cup… We made history, together.
I would like to sincerely thank all the players, coaches and their assistants for the years of cooperation, for the trust, for the fight until the last ball. You are a part of my volleyball heart, and I am grateful to each of you.
I believe that Ukrainian volleyball will soon take another step forward – to new heights, to an even higher level. We have potential. Talents are incredible. All that remains is to protect this unity and increase what has been achieved.
And now, after all these memories and achievements, I made a difficult but balanced decision. My story as a player of the Ukrainian national team has ended.
It's time for me to move on – in a different direction, but this direction will always be connected with the development of volleyball. I remain faithful to this game. And who knows, we will definitely see each other again in the Ukrainian national team – the only question is in which of the possible roles.
I have always strived only for the best for our national team. And I will continue to do everything in my power so that Ukrainian volleyball develops, grows stronger and inspires.
“Thank you all for your support. I felt it everywhere – in every city, in every hall, in every part of the world, wherever we played. You will always remain my team,” Plotnitsky wrote.
Plotnitsky played for the Ukrainian national team from 2017 to 2023, reaching the quarterfinals of the World and European Championships with them.