Sergei Grankin leaves the Berlin Volleys

The Berlin Volleys have a painful farewell to record: star player Sergei Grankin leaves the German volleyball champion with immediate effect, despite a contract that runs until 2023. The current team captain will continue his active career in the Russian Super League. “His departure is not a sporting decision, but a decision due to world political events,” the BR volleys said in a press statement on Wednesday.

Grankin played with the Berliners for four years. During this time, he and the team became German champions three times and Cup winners once. A total of 23 times, the opposing coaches voted him the most valuable player (MVP) after Bundesliga matches. “He was the shining light of the Bundesliga”, Volleys Managing Director Kaweh Niroomand praises the achievements of the 37-year-old and concludes: “What Sergei has done for us in four seasons is simply great.”

Nevertheless, the association has decided to terminate the contract with Grankin, which was originally valid for another year, because “the political and family circumstances make his further engagement abroad difficult,” says Niroomand. Grankin sees for himself and his family the center of life in his native Russia.

The volleys now need two new players for the coming season, as the American Matthew West, who plays in this position, has already said goodbye to Berlin with an unknown goal.