(Credit: Imago)

Richie Mills

Mon 23 March 2026 13:58, UK

Leeds United star Ilia Gruev has called for privacy after pulling out of Bulgaria’s upcoming international fixtures.

Gruev was named as Bulgaria’s Player of the Year for 2025 on Sunday after a stellar 12 months for club and country.

The 25-year-old played a big role in Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League last year and has made 23 appearances for Daniel Farke’s team this term.

Off the back of that and featuring nine times for his country in 2025, the midfielder edged out compatriots Ivaylo Chochev and Kiril Despodov to claim the prize.

While the Leeds ace was delighted to receive this accolade, Gruev called for people to “respect” his opinion over why he will not play for Bulgaria in the FIFA Series in the coming week.

Ilia Gruev reflects on personal milestone and calls for privacy

After claiming this award, Gruev joins some of Bulgaria’s most celebrated footballing names, such as Hristo Stoichkov, Stiliyan Petrov, Dimitar Berbatov and Martin Petrov.

After receiving the award, he wrote on Instagram: “If someone had told me as a little boy that I would be holding this award in my hands, I would hardly have believed it. It is a true honour to follow in the footsteps of our country’s greatest football players.

“This award doesn’t belong to me alone. It belongs to everyone who pushed me when things got tough. So proud to represent these colours. So proud to represent these colours.”

Gruev claimed this award shortly before the Bulgarian national team head out to Indonesia for their FIFA Series.

This involves a semi-final against Solomon Islands in Jakarta on Friday, followed by either a third-place play-off or final versus Indonesia or Saint Kitts and Nevis three days later.

However, according to Fatki.bg, Gruev and fellow countryman Lukas Petkov told the Bulgarian Football Union via email that they wouldn’t be available.

When asked about why he wouldn’t take part, he replied: “These are my personal reasons and I hope you will respect my opinion that I will not comment on this topic anymore.”

It is not yet known what those personal reasons are.

Gruev’s game time may drop off

Gruev has been fairly dependable for Leeds this season, forming a solid partnership with captain Ethan Ampadu in defensive midfield.

But as the goals dry up for Leeds in their last four matches, the need for the Bulgarian, who has been linked with an Elland Road exit, has diminished.

Farke decided to start Gruev in the 1-0 home loss to Sunderland on 3 March in a side that was, arguably, too defensive. Since then, he has been relegated to the fringes, with Ampadu anchoring the midfield on his own.

Gruev came off the bench when Leeds were down to 10 men against Crystal Palace on 15 March and was an unused substitute in the goalless draw with Brentford on Saturday.

Leeds desperately need to find that goalscoring touch again if they want to stay up, and unfortunately for Gruev, that may mean a reduction in game time.

But the Bulgarian hero will still be there if needs be as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.