The news of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Cuba, which was suddenly announced on the 14th, was a big topic in the sports world. In particular, the baseball and volleyball world, where Cuban players are strong, expressed their appreciation that an environment has been created where excellent Cuban players can be recruited more freely. The establishment of diplomatic ties between Korea and Cuba was also good news for Cuban players currently playing on the Korean stage .Cuban foreign player Leonardo Leyva Martinez (33, registered name Leo) of OK Financial Group in the professional volleyball men’s division was also happy.

In an official interview after winning the professional volleyball men’s home game against KB Insurance held at Sangnoksu Gymnasium in Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do on the 25th, Leo said, “As a Cuban who has lived in Korea for a long time, it was good news,” and “It is good news economically for Cuba and Cubans.” “I think there will be great opportunities and benefits,” he said .He added, “I also expect to receive great opportunities through the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries.” In fact, Leo has no nationality issues at all. This is because he left Cuba and took refuge in Puerto Rico in 2009, and has continued to play in overseas leagues in Korea, Turkey, Lebanon, and China since 2011.Leo played for Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance from 2012 to 2015 and returned to the Korean stage through OK Financial Group in 2021.

This season, he is playing a big role as OK Financial Group’s main gun, continuing the team’s upward trend. When asked, ‘How does the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries affect you?’, Leo jokingly replied, “I think I will be able to open a budae stew restaurant (which I like) in Cuba soon.” He continued, “I think there will be business benefits rather than profits as a player. I think I could also import vehicles from Korea and sell them to Cuba. I’d like to try it. “Leo, who continued to answer with a smile on his face, spoke seriously when asked questions related to volleyball. When asked, ‘How will we approach the remaining games?’, he said, “From now on, every game is no different from a postseason 스포츠토토존 game,” and “I will focus with the mindset of the playoffs.”