One of the legends of Botev Plovdiv, Dinko Dermendzhiev missed Sunday’s home game against Rodopa Smolyan, but spent an even more emotional weekend. Chico was invited to the celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of England’s Coventry City’s first appearance in European tournaments. On 16 September 1970 the “sky blue” made their debut in Europe against the team of Trakia, the captain’s armband of which at that time was worn by Dermendjiev. Despite the initial expectations for a Bulgarian victory, we lost both matches (1:4 in Plovdiv and 0:2 in Coventry) and although in the history of the “yellow-blacks” this is not one of the most memorable moments the presence of our legend at the celebration in England is another proof of the high morale and respect for the opponent that have always accompanied the most beloved team under the seven hills.
At the event in question, which took place on 23 October, Chico, in the presence of an interpreter, had several interviews with the local media, and at half-time of the Coventry-Barnsley match (3-0) he exchanged flags with Roy Berry, the England captain of the 1970s, in the centre of the pitch. At the subsequent meetings our legend gave the hosts several souvenirs of Botev Plovdiv and a t-shirt of the current team with the number 8 and the inscription on the back “CHIKO”. The evening ends in friendly conversations and songs.
Legends are above everything temporary! Alive and well Chico and bring us more pride, albeit off the field.
