Nǐ Hǎo!
After playing 12 seasons in the Italian League, the 29 year old has moved to China to play for Coach Jenny Lang Ping and Guangdong Evergrande.
In a recent interview released by the FIVB, Martina made a few revelations such as the TRUE reason behind her transfer and of course her impression on China.
“It’s amazing. The food, weather and the size of the cities are totally different compared to Italy. However, it’s so exciting for me as a person and player.”
Martina, who is dating Mitar Djuric, also confessed that the financial crisis in the Italian League prompted her to make the move.
“It’s a hard situation for volleyball in Italy at the moment. It’s difficult to find sponsors and keep the level at the highest level. I thought a lot about a change to another country. As I got the offer from Guangdong, I eventually decided to dare it. Playing in China is a big chance for me!”
She also added that her teammate, Carolina Costagrande, helped her made the decision.
“My teammate from Italy’s national team had already played in China. She advised me to grasp at this opportunity.”
As for playing with her new team together with American players Megan Hodge & Juliann Faucette.
“We still experience communication problems on the court. As the three foreign players don’t speak Chinese and the Chinese players don’t speak fluently English, we’ve had to find another way to communicate.
I want to learn some Chinese now. I’ve already learnt some volleyball words during our trainings. I can say “I want the ball”, “higher”, “setter” and “slide” in Chinese, but I definitely need to learn more.”
No doubt you will have a great time in China bella!