Baku, August 3, AZERTACIvan Zaytsev, the new transfer of the "Ordu" volleyball club, former member of the Italian national team, silver medalist at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games, silver and bronze medalist at European Championships, medalist in the FIVB Volleyball Nations League, multiple-time Italian champion and national cup winner, as well as a medalist in the CEV Champions League, gave an exclusive interview to AZERTAC.- How did your transfer to the "Ordu" club come about?- At this stage of my career, playing in a different league from the ones I competed in for many years serves as a great motivation for me. I believe that a person can develop both as an individual and as an athlete only through new challenges. Stepping out of one's comfort zone and testing oneself in a different environment is always a step forward. That is precisely why I became absolutely convinced that "Ordu" volleyball club was the right choice for me.- You have been performing at a high level for many years. What were your first impressions of Azerbaijani volleyball?- I must admit that I did not previously have extensive knowledge regarding men's volleyball here. However, I remember very well the successes achieved by Azerbaijani women's volleyball a few years ago and the professional environment established here. This country has already proven that it can implement major projects in volleyball. I hope that men's volleyball will now go through the same development path, and as part of this process, I will contribute to the rise of this sport in Azerbaijan.- After becoming a medalist at the Olympic Games, European Championships, and CEV Champions League, what still motivates you to play?- I am deeply attached to volleyball. I love the competitive drive, the rhythm of the game, and the emotions experienced together with the team. I feel the same excitement every time I step onto the court. The atmosphere in the locker room, the team spirit, and the feeling of fighting together remain irreplaceable for me. It is precisely these feelings that drive me to get better every day.- What targets have you set for yourself both team-wise and personally with "Ordu" this season?Our primary goal is to form the team's playing system in a short time and build a squad that plays high-level volleyball. We are a newly established team, and first, we must find our playing identity. After that, our goal is to minimize losses as much as possible, grow stronger with every match, enjoy the volleyball we play on the court, and present attractive, competitive, and quality volleyball to the fans filling the stands.- Did you have information about the Azerbaijani club when the offer arrived? Did you consult with any volleyball players or coaches who have played here before making a decision?- To be honest, I did not have much information about the place beforehand. However, everyone I spoke with told me that the quality of life in Baku is high and that the club possesses a very serious and ambitious project. From our very first meetings with the club management, I felt their energy, passion, and grand goals. In a very short time, I realized that this project is not just another transfer, but a new and very exciting chapter in my career.- As an experienced volleyball player, how do you plan to contribute to the development of the younger generation both on and off the court?- I believe that the experience I have accumulated over many years, both in the national team and at the club level, will be beneficial for young players. There are people around the world who started playing volleyball by watching me. However, what they saw was only the result. Behind that result lies years of hard work, discipline, sacrifice, setbacks, and standing back up. I want young people to see that journey as well. That is why I established the "Ivan Zaytsev" Volleyball Academy in Italy for children and teenagers aged 12–22.- Looking back at your career, which achievement are you most proud of?It is not always possible to win in sports. I have never measured success solely by trophies and medals. For me, the main objective is to add value to volleyball and leave this sport in a better state for those who come after me. Nevertheless, if I had to highlight one particular moment, the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games was one of the most important turning points of my career.- What message would you like to convey to Azerbaijani volleyball fans?- The most crucial quality is dedication. Success does not happen by chance, and no one reaches the top in a single day. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices regarding your friends, the time you spend with your family, and your personal comfort. You must demand the maximum from yourself in every training session and leave the hall believing that you are even 0.1 percent better than you were yesterday. It is precisely these small steps that make a huge difference years later.- In recent years, many well-known volleyball players have been opting for new championships. In your view, does Azerbaijan have the potential to become one of Europe's stronger volleyball leagues?- Azerbaijan has already proven repeatedly that it can achieve great success in sports. The accomplishments of women's volleyball a few years ago serve as the finest example of this. I believe that this experience will now also serve the development of men's volleyball, and Azerbaijan will be in the European spotlight in this field in the near future as well.- What result at the end of the season would you consider a success for yourself and your team?- I hope that together with the coaching staff and my teammates, we will be able to foster a genuine family environment based on mutual respect, trust, and a winning spirit. We want to deliver struggle, passion, and high-quality volleyball in every match to the fans who will support us throughout the season. Our ultimate goal is to minimize losses as much as possible, fight until the end for the national championship title, and worthily represent the "Ordu" Volleyball Club in European cup competitions.