Today marks the 65th birthday of FC Dynamo Kyiv defender Serhiy Baltacha from the 80s. Hryhoriy Surkis, UEFA honorary member, has congratulated the jubilee.
Grigory SurkisDear Serhii Pavlovich!
From the bottom of my heart I congratulate you on your 65th anniversary!
A true legend, an undeniable authority on the pitch and beyond it, the embodiment of a steely reliability, high performance skills and unbelievable sports courage. All this is about you - the man who has written his name in golden letters in the history of Ukrainian football.
Your game in the brilliant team of Valeriy Lobanovskiy looked exemplary and delighted a huge army of fans. Those who have seen Sergey Baltacha in action will never forget his iron stamina, mad dedication, ability to take the lead in aerial duels and readiness to come to the aid of a partner at any moment. For us, the Kyiv Dynamo fans, your presence in the squad has always been an extra gulp of confidence.
No doubt, you played one of the key roles in the team which was ahead of its time. Playing and leadership qualities allowed you together with the USSR national team to win the European and world 'gold' at junior level, assert yourself at the planetary forum, become the vice-champion of the continent and a winner of the Olympics, get a number of trophies in the national arena and lift over their heads - many generations of young players looked up to and look up to this track record.
Having continued your career in the UK, and then becoming a coach, you have not deviated from your sporting principles and have remained a true patriot of Ukraine, passing the love for the Motherland to your beautiful children...
Health and wellbeing, dear Jubilee, to you and your loved ones. Happiness, happiness, good luck and peace! Let all your plans and plans come true!
Sincerely,
Grigory Surkis
