"This season has been a tough test for me." Sport24.az reports that this was said by Azerbaijani national volleyball player Dmitri Baranov.

The 31-year-old blocker of "Rescuer", who shared a post on his social media account, stated that he faced a number of problems at the start of the season: "Surgery, rehabilitation, pain - every day I fought not only for my health, but also for my dreams. There was almost no hope left, but I didn't give up. Although there were more doubts than hopes around me, I believed that I could come back. Three months after the major surgery, I was back on the field. Not for statistics, not for applause - for myself, for my team, for that boy who first picked up the ball. You only lose when you give up. I didn't give up. These words became the meaning of every morning, every training, every moment I was on the field. I am grateful to everyone who went through this difficult path with me - my family, my coaches, my doctors, my fans and the brothers in "Rescuer".

According to Baranov, who finished the Azerbaijani championship with a bronze medal, it is time to join the national team camp: "I don't know how many more seasons are written in my fate. But as long as my heart beats and my feet carry me, I will play. I will fight. I will dream. Now a new chapter begins - the Azerbaijan national team".

It should be noted that the Azerbaijani men's volleyball team will compete in the Silver European League. The competition will start in June.