🔗 Share this article I Am Called MUFC: The Die-Hard Supporter Who Struggled to Alter His Identity Inquire of any Man United supporter who is older about the meaning of that fateful day in May 1999, and they'll recount that the night left an indelible mark. It was the evening when last-minute strikes from Teddy Sheringham and Solskjær sealed an stunning come-from-behind victory in the Champions League final against the German giants at the famous Barcelona stadium. Simultaneously, the world of one loyal follower in Bulgaria, who recently died at the 62 years old, changed forever. A Dream Born in Communist Bulgaria The fan in question was originally called Marin Zdravkov Levidzhov in his hometown, a place with a population of 22,000. Living in the former Eastern Bloc with a passion for football, he aspired to adopting a new name to… his beloved club. But, to claim the name of a organization from the other side of the Iron Curtain was a futile endeavor. Any effort to do so prior to the end of communism, he would likely have ended up in jail. A Promise Forged in Drama Ten years after the fall of the regime in Bulgaria – on the historic evening – Marin's unique aspiration edged closer to achievement. Tuning in from home from his humble abode in Svishtov and with his team losing, Marin made a promise to himself: in the event of a reversal, he would do anything to legally adopt the name that of the team he adored. Then, the impossible happened. He realized his ambition to see the Theatre of Dreams. Years of Judicial Challenges The following morning, Marin sought legal counsel to present his unique case, thus beginning a long, hard battle. His dad, from whom he had gained his fandom, was no longer alive, and the 36-year-old was residing with his mom, employed in miscellaneous roles, including as a builder on minimal earnings. He was struggling financially, yet his aspiration grew into a mania. He rapidly evolved into the talk of the town, then gained worldwide attention, but 15 years full of legal battles and disheartening court decisions lay ahead. Legal Obstacles and Small Wins His request was denied early on for copyright reasons: he was not permitted to adopt the name of a world-famous brand. Then a presiding magistrate granted a limited approval, saying Marin could alter his given name to the city name but that he was could not adopt United as his legal last name. “However, I desire to be associated with just a place in Britain, I want to bear the identity of my favourite football club,” Marin informed the judge. The struggle continued. His Beloved Cats During breaks from litigation, he was often looking after his cats. He had plenty of them in his back yard in Svishtov and held them in the same esteem as the his team. He gave each one a name after United players: including Ferdinand and Rooney, they were the best-known felines in town. The one he loved most of Man U? The feline known as Beckham. He was often seen in full club regalia. Breakthroughs and Principles Marin managed another breakthrough in court: he was granted the right to append the club name as an legal alternative on his ID card. But he remained dissatisfied. “I won’t stop until my complete identity is as I desire,” he declared. His tale attracted commercial propositions – an offer to have club products produced under his new name – but although he was in need, he rejected the opportunity because he was unwilling to gain financially from his beloved team. The team's title was sacred to him. Aspirations Fulfilled and Final Acts A film was made in that year. The crew made his aspiration come true of visiting Old Trafford and there he even met his compatriot, the Bulgaria striker playing for United at the time. Permanently marked the team emblem on his face three years later as a protest against the court decisions and in his closing chapter it became ever tougher for him to keep up the struggle. Job opportunities were scarce and he suffered the death of his mother to the virus. But somehow, he found a way. Born as a Catholic, he got baptised in an religious institution under the name the identity he sought. “Ultimately, my true name is recognized with my true identity,” he often stated. On a recent Monday, his life came to an end. It is possible that Manchester United’s restless soul could at last be at rest.