Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov expresses disappointment over new visa regulations affecting family attendance.
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Visa regulations impact family attendance
Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov is facing a bittersweet moment as he prepares for the Scottish Cup final against Celtic. The 28-year-old has expressed his disappointment that his parents, Kostadinka and Veselin, will not be able to attend the match due to recent changes in UK visa regulations.
These new rules, which came into effect last month, require citizens from EU countries, including Bulgaria, to obtain an electronic transit and short-term residence permit to enter the UK.
Mitov’s emotional struggle
Mitov, who has been a key player for Aberdeen, shared his feelings about the situation, stating, “It’s very frustrating because potentially it’s one of the biggest games of my life and my family are not able to be here.” The goalkeeper had hoped to have his parents in the stands at Hampden, but the new visa requirements made it impossible for them to travel on short notice.
Despite this setback, he remains focused on the game and is determined to make his family proud, even if they will be watching from Bulgaria.
Aberdeen’s quest for glory
The Scottish Cup final represents a significant opportunity for Aberdeen, who are aiming to end a 35-year drought without the trophy. The excitement among fans is palpable, with the club’s allocation of 20,000 tickets selling out on the first day of sale. Mitov acknowledges the pressure that comes with such high expectations but embraces it as part of the challenge. “There is pressure playing for Aberdeen, but that’s why I came here. I want to compete for trophies and try for Europe every season,” he stated.
Preparing for Celtic’s challenge
As Aberdeen gears up to face Celtic, who are chasing a domestic treble, Mitov understands the importance of sticking to the game plan. He emphasized the need for the team to remain compact and disciplined to neutralize Celtic’s attacking threats. “Celtic have a specific way of playing with runners in behind and good individuals. They can blow teams away very quickly,” he warned. Mitov’s confidence in his team’s ability to perform under pressure will be crucial as they seek to secure a historic victory.
Learning from past encounters
Reflecting on previous matches against Celtic, Mitov noted the lessons learned from their recent League Cup semi-final defeat. “You need to be near-perfect against them. Nobody in football is perfect, mistakes happen, but it’s how you react to it and regroup straight after it,” he explained. The goalkeeper believes that teamwork and support among players will be vital in overcoming any setbacks during the final.
Conclusion: A moment to shine
While Mitov may not have his family by his side at Hampden, he is determined to make the most of this opportunity. With the eyes of fans and family back home watching, he aims to deliver a performance that will not only honor his parents but also bring glory to Aberdeen. The Scottish Cup final is not just a game; it is a chance for Mitov and his teammates to etch their names in the club’s history.
