Christian Noboa: "It's impossible to turn down an offer from a club like Zenit"

The first new signing for Zenit in this summer transfer window gave an interview to the official website of the club.

Christian, welcome to St. Petersburg and Zenit. Tell us how you feel after signing the agreement.

I am incredibly delighted and happy to be at such a team and in a magnificent city. Zenit is a top club and I'm very proud that I will now play for them.

When did the negotiations with Zenit start? As the media seemed unaware of anything taking place.

Actually, the talks were held a year ago. They resumed recently, Mr. Sarsania invited me to St. Petersburg one and a half days ago. We agreed the deal very quickly.

You didn't have to think too much about it?

It's impossible to turn down an offer from a club like Zenit, moving to a beautiful city like St. Petersburg, you can't ignore this. Zenit is a superclub and I am very glad to be a part of it now.

Roberto Mancini has just become the new head coach. Did this affect your decision?

The fact that Zenit now has Mancini in charge was an additional stimulus for me. He is a top coach. He has won the championships of England and Italy, these are the best leagues in the world. I am sure that together with Mancini we will win many trophies.

What are your future plans?

On June 12 or 13, I arrive in St. Petersburg, on the 14th I take a physical examination, and the next day I fly away with the team to the training camp