Dimitar Mitov reignites long-lost Aberdeen connection as 1994 World Cup star beams at Scottish Cup heroics
Prior to Scottish Cup hero Dimitar Mitov's arrival last summer, it had been 25 years since a Bulgarian player had last pulled on the colours of Aberdeen.
Tsanko Tsvetanov and Ilyan Kiryakov both arrived in the Granite City in the summer of 1996 shortly after representing their country at the European Championships in England.
Two years earlier, the duo had starred alongside Barcelona icon Hristo Stoichkov in Bulgaria's memorable run to the semi-finals of the USA 1994 World Cup.
In the group stage, Bulgaria downed an Argentina team 2-0 that featured ex Rangers and Dundee forward Claudio Caniggia, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone and goal machine Gabriel Batistuta, despite Tsvetanov getting sent off.
After eding out Mexico on penalties in the last 16 they then bested Franz Beckenbauer's reigning champions Germany before bowing out to runners' up Italy courtesy of two goals from Azzuri god Roberto Baggio.
And in an exclusive interview with Record Sport, one of pair from the former Communist state says he was delighted to see the stopper reignite that long-lost link by helping Jimmy Thelin's side down Celtic on penalties to lift the cup for the first time since 1990.
Former defender/midfielder Tsvetanov - who made 49 appearances for the Reds between 1996 and 1998 - quipped: "They won the cup because of the Bulgarian connection! I am so happy for him."
Mitov has won 11 caps for his country so far since making his debut in September 2023 during his lone season at St Johnstone. And while he has never met Pittodrie's Bulgarian flagbearer, he is hopeful that his compatriot will stand between the posts for the national team for years to come.
"It's a bit early to say but I believe he is going to be the number one for the national team. I don't know him too well because he has grown up in Britain and Scotland.
"I hope he can do well because at this time Bulgarian football is not at its best. But I hope this guy can help Bulgaria with his experience to come back to the good times."
The Balkan nation have not qualified for a major tournament since the European Championships in 2004, with their last appearance at the World Cup finals coming six years earlier in France 98.
Bulgaria have been dealt a tough hand in their bid to reach the finals in North America last year, having been drawn against reigning European champions Spain as well as Turkey and Georgia.
But Tsvetatov, a former three-time league champion with Levski Sofia who won 40 caps for his country between 1991 and 1996, has dared the current team to dream.
"On paper it is very hard", he admitted. "But football is not played on paper, football is played on the pitch. So if you don't believe, don't go on the pitch to play.
"Football is a game of hope and you always have a chance."
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