Bucharest, Romania, May 6, 2018. The captain of the 2018 CEV Volleyball Champions League titleholders VakifBank ISTANBUL Gözde Kirdar was awarded as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the #CLF4Bucharest. In a very emotional closing ceremony, she received the high honour on the very day she officially put an end to her glorious Volleyball career.
The memorable awarding ceremony started off with an electrifying dance show and culminated with winners VakifBank rejoicing with the trophy under the sounds of We Are The Champions. Only seconds earlier the cup was handed to their captain Gözde Kirdar by CEV President Aleksandar Boričić.
Before Gözde was declared MVP, the seven members of the Champions League Dream Team were individually called to the podium to receive their awards. Three players from VakifBank and two each from runners-up CSM Volei Alba BLAJ and bronze medallists Imoco Volley CONEGLIANO made up the best squad of the tournament.
Nneka Onyejekwe, player of CSM Volei Alba BLAJ, Middle Blocker on the Dream Team: “I am happy with this result. To be the best middle blocker in the tournament was not my goal, but I am proud of my team for the incredible season. Congratulations to VakifBank!”
Ana Cleger, player of CSM Volei Alba BLAJ, Opposite on the Dream Team: “It is my best season so far. I never imagined that after coming to Romania I would get a chance to play a Champions League final and win an individual award. Words cannot describe how happy I am!”
Final Standings:
1. VakifBank ISTANBUL (TUR)
2. CSM Volei Alba BLAJ (ROU)
3. Imoco Volley CONEGLIANO (ITA)
4. Galatasaray SK ISTANBUL (TUR)
Most Valuable Player (MVP): Gözde Kirdar (TUR / VakifBank ISTANBUL)
Dream Team:
Setter: Joanna Wolosz (POL / Imoco Volley CONEGLIANO)
Opposite: Ana Yilian Cleger Abel (CUB / CSM Volei Alba BLAJ)
Outside Hitters: Zhu Ting (CHN / VakifBank ISTANBUL), Kimberly Hill (USA / Imoco Volley CONEGLIANO)
Middle Blockers: Milena Rasic (SRB / VakifBank ISTANBUL), Nneka Obiamaka Onyejekwe (ROU / CSM Volei Alba BLAJ)
Libero: Hatice Gizem Örge (TUR / VakifBank ISTANBUL)
Follow #CLF4Bucharest on social media.
Click here for further information.