Interview with Georgi Asparuhov’s wife, Velichka Markova

"Some people used to call my husband “The President” and for me, he really was the first Bulgarian President," says Velichka Markova, the wife of Bulgaria’s most loved and, without any doubt, the greatest football player in history. Thirty-nine years after his tragic death, Velichka speaks of the years she spent by Gundi’s side as the happiest period in her life.
"Gundi was my destiny – I spent eight fantastic years with him and I am living with the memory of these years ever since death separated us,” she goes on.
“Being a footballer’s wife was not a privilege for me, neither was it a burden. It was something normal, because I have always regarded football as a profession like any other. I have one recurring thought and namely what our life could have been, if that car accident had not happened. And I think that my son, Andrey and I would have had a very different life from the one we live now. I am not talking about material things and well-being, but of peace of mind and harmony. The greatest moment of my life with Gundi was when our son, Andrey was born. And, like many other Bulgarian families, we had good and bad moments. Gundi and I were not only a husband and wife, but we were also best friends. I was very happy for his professional success. Georgi’s talent was phenomenal, as many people admit, but only his closest friends and family may know that he was a fantastic person, as well. It is because of his personal and professional qualities that the Bulgarian people still remember my husband to this day. In him there was a rare combination of talent, elegancy, handsomeness and good heartedness. And this amalgamation of positive qualities is what made him unforgettable. People say my husband was unstoppable on the pitch, but he did not win my heart with dibble, headers and volleys. In fact, he was keen on volleyball when I first met him. We both played volleyball in Levski sports club. He was a tall, dark, handsome guy with a nice smile and a dimple on his left cheek. I liked him from the moment I first saw him. We had been dating for four years before we decided to tie the knot. Georgi was still not that famous at that time. I remember that he had to travel to Africa and I asked him to bring me a nice wooden mask. And he brought me a really nice one when he came back three years later.
Gundi’s path to fame was a steep one. He had to elbow his way to the top. I am not a football expert, but I liked his unexpected moves on the pitch. His style was based entirely on improvisation and there wasn’t any pattern in it. I guess this is what it’s like to be genius – to be able to do things that few other people can do. On the pitch, Georgi was for fair play and gentlemanly conduct. Victory at all costs was not what he pursued. And he was an amiable man, as well. He was not afraid to show his feelings – he would surprise me with a bunch of flowers every now and then and, more importantly, he respected one’s personal freedom. Gundi was a devoted and caring father, maybe because he felt he did not have much time to be with his son. I had a feeling that his heard was brimming over with love for Andrey, while our son respected him very much. Some of the most important things that Andrey learnt from his father were always to tell the truth, to respect the elderly people and to be a gentleman. Georgi was a great father!
Gundi did not have much time for us, because he always was on training camps with the team. But this saved our family life from becoming monotonous – his coming home was always expected with impatience and joy. When he had time, he used to take us to the movies, and also to theater and concerts. Gundi liked Italian music – Morandi, Celentano, Di Capri, and he was a fantastic dancer as well. We both loved dancing.
Georgi and I did not have the time to make our dreams come true. I remember some people offered him to write a book about his life, but I told him he was too young for that. Now I am thinking that I should have encouraged him to do it, because he remained young forever.
Although the Bulgarian people loved him, Georgi did not think of himself as a star. For him fame was more of a responsibility than it was a privilege. He knew that the young boys were crazy about him and that’s why he wanted to set a good example for them to follow.
He was very careful about his public appearances, because he knew that all eyes were on him.
Many of Gundi’s positive qualities passed down to his son – humaneness, honesty and gentlemanly conduct. I think that the burden of his father’s fame lies heavy on Andrey’s shoulders. For one thing, Georgi did not want his son to become a footballer, because he had a sad experience with injuries and surgeries.
My son, Andrey and his wife Isabella, daughter of another legendary player of FC Levski Pavel Panov, live in the USA now.
Time does not heal your wounds but it gives you a chance to get used to the constant pain and learn to live with it. This is my only remedy. Since Georgi’s death I have not had another life partner. Gundi was my destiny.