Zdravko Zdravkov

Club career

On the club level, Zdravkov has played for Levski Sofia (1989–1995), Istanbulspor (1997–1999 and 2000–2002), Adanaspor (1999–2000), Cherno More (2002–2003), Litex Lovech (2003–2004) and Çaykur Rizespor (2004–2007).

December 2002 until January 2003, Zdravkov spent a trial period with Arsenal F.C., but did not eventually sign with the then-reigning FA Premier League champions.

International career

For Bulgaria, Zdravkov has been capped 70 times. He made his debut on 24 April 1996, against Slovakia in Trnava. He was the starting goalkeeper for his country at the Euro 1996, 1998 World Cup and Euro 2004.

Halfway through the France World Cup in 1998, with Bulgaria having played two games (0–0 against Paraguay and a 0–1 loss to Nigeria), Zdravkov was ranked as the 2nd best goalkeeper in form. Although he went on to concede 6 goals in Bulgaria's loss to Spain in the next game, Zdravkov was an exceptional performer at the World Cup.

Six years later, at UEFA Euro 2004, Zdravkov's age began to show, as he was completely outclassed by Swedish, Danish and Italian attackers. Bulgaria lost 0–5 to Sweden, 0–2 to Denmark and 1–2 to Italy, and this was to be Zdravkov's final tournament as national team goalkeeper.

Personal

Zdravkov participated in the third season of Survivor BG, in Panama, but was evacuated due to serious health problems. He is married to Irena and they have three sons - Ivan, Yoan and Pavel.

Club