Russian and world volleyball has experienced a severe loss. At the age of 70, Vyacheslav Zaitsev, a legend of the USSR national team, an Olympic champion and the best setter of the 20th century, died. During his life, he won many sports victories, but he still lost the fight against the disease …

The life of a great athlete was claimed by oncology.

“Have a good trip”

The sad news was announced by Ivan Zaitsev, the son of Vyacheslav Alekseevich, a player in the Italian national team. In his social networks, the volleyball player honored the memory of his late father.

– Goodbye, dad … Have a nice trip. Rest now if you can,” Zaitsev Jr. wrote.

The All-Russian Volleyball Federation (VVF) expressed its condolences to the relatives and friends of the deceased. In its message, the organization noted the merits of Zaitsev and his personal qualities.

“Vyacheslav Alekseevich was an incredibly kind, open and sympathetic person with a huge heart,” the message says on the official website of the VFV.

Ivan Zaitsev / Photo: © RIA Novosti / Vladimir Pesnya

Of course, the news about the death of the great volleyball player did not go unnoticed by the fans. In social networks, they remember Zaitsev’s excellent game and devotion to his native Avtomobilist, where he played for almost 20 years.

Couldn’t let Platonov down

And it’s true: even then, not every athlete could spend many years in one club. But Vyacheslav Zaitsev succeeded.

Having come to the main team of the Leningrad Avtomobilist, high school student Slava could not even think that he would become his main star. From 1969 to 1987, Zaitsev was consistently responsible for accurate passes, including being team captain. Alas, Avtomobilist and its leader were never destined to become the champion of the USSR.

Although, if desired, he could easily conquer this peak. Beginning in 1972, the setter was hunted by CSKA, which was also the base club of the national team. Zaitsev was made offers and even threatened. But he remained loyal to Leningrad and coach Vyacheslav Platonov.

“I couldn’t go against the people who made it possible to play in a team of masters, I couldn’t let down Vyacheslav Alekseevich Platonov, who gave me his T-shirt at Avtomobilist,” Zaitsev said in an interview with the Sport Business Online portal.

Vyacheslav Platonov / Photo: © RIA Novosti / Igor Utkin

Multiple Champion

The binder made a name for himself in the USSR national team, for which he played from the age of 18. Largely due to his smartest game, the team was considered almost invincible. And all her achievements are vivid proof of this.

Together with Zaitsev, the USSR national team became the Olympic champion in Moscow 1980 and the silver medalist in Montreal 1976 and Seoul 1988. In addition, there were two world championship golds and seven European titles. Almost all victories were obtained when Vyacheslav Zaitsev was the team captain.

Vyacheslav Zaitsev in 1978 / Photo: © RIA Novosti / Vladimir Fedorenko

For his achievements, the volleyball player was repeatedly awarded state awards, including the Orders of the Badge of Honor and Friendship of Peoples.

Proud of my son

After 18 years at Avtomobilist, Vyacheslav Alekseevich nevertheless decided to change and left for Europe – the first of the Soviet volleyball players. In Italy, he played for Spoleto, Agrigento and Citta di Castello, and in Switzerland for Lugano. Zaitsev played his last match as a player on November 14, 1992 – literally two days after his 40th birthday.

The coaching career of the ex-binder turned out to be not so bright, but it definitely cannot be considered a failure. In 2006, the legendary player led the Russian youth team to the gold of the European Championship. The future triumphs of London 2012 Dmitry Ilyinykh and Maxim Mikhailov played in that team. A year later, these same guys, under the leadership of Zaitsev, will become world vice-champions among their peers.

In 2013, Vyacheslav Alekseevich was inducted into the World Volleyball Hall of Fame. He was very proud of his son Ivan, who had grown to two Olympic medals with the Italian team. Zaitsev clearly wanted his son to become the champion of the Games someday.

Unfortunately, he was not destined to catch this moment.