Lecce players clasp teammate Valeri Bojinov of Bulgaria, after he miraculously held Inter Milan to a 2-2 draw. Photo by gazzetta.it
Bulgarian teenage striker Valeri Bojinov was hurled to stardom in the Italian town of Lecce, after a sensational performance against Inter Milan Wednesday.
After Inter took the lead 2-0, the 18-year-old Bulgarian held them to a 2-2 draw, sending thousands of spectators at the stadium into rapture. The two hits also pushed Bojinov to No.1 in the Serie A top scorers ranking this season.
"People all over the town want my autograph, and have been taking pictures with me," the teenage ace told Sofia's 7 Dni Sport daily over the phone.
Bojinov has added a series of successes to his playing record over the last few months. In the summer of 2004, he made his national team debut, and soon after scored for Bulgaria in a friendly against Eire.
The youngster was also nominated for Italy's Golden Boy Award this year, a prize given to Europe's brightest football talents under-21.