Let's go back to the summer training camp. You joined the team and then went immediately back to St. Petersburg for an individual programme, why was that?
While training with Russia I got quite a serious injury and I had to train through the pain, but thanks to the Russian coaching and medical staff I was able to help the team get to the quarter-finals. After the World Cup, I returned to the club and consulted with our training staff and doctors and together we decided that was worth taking a short break for me to heal and then train without ant issues. Now I’m fine and training as usual.
Is the current Zenit different from the team we knew three months ago?
Many of the players have remained the same and the coach has previously been here at Zenit, but we have started with a clean slate. We have goals that we really want to fulfil and we are taking each game as it comes and not getting ahead of ourselves. We are following the instructions of the coaching staff.
Is there restructuring taking place at Zenit and are the players still getting used to each other?
We have top-level players and I think we’ve already got used to each other, or will very soon. Everyone understands what the coach wants and in this respect, there are no problems.
Has Sergei Semak told you what position he wants you to play in?
This is not even a question, he knows precisely where I can play and how I can best assist the team. It depends on how the match is going and I just need to be in the best condition possible to help the team.
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It’s been a whole month since the World Cup finished. What was the most memorable part of the tournament for you?
The World Cup brought a lot of positivity to Russia and the team made many people happy. Everyone was supporting the national team, worrying about us and in the end they were proud of the team. You all saw how close we were as a team, the players, the coaches and the staff all became a single unit. The quarterfinals were not the limit of our dreams, because we had the chance to go further.
Were you devastated at the loss to Croatia?
No, it wasn’t like that, on the contrary, we were filled with positive energy.
You’ve entered World Cup history, coming on as the first-ever fourth sub, how does that feel?
We knew that the new fourth sub rule was coming at the World Cup and it would be important. The guys gave a lot of energy during the game, so they knew someone would come on in extra time. I am glad that the manager chose me. I tried to go into game with a clear head and to help the team.
Was it difficult to make your World Cup debut in the quarterfinal in extra time?
Seeing how the Spain and Croatia games went, it was quite emotional. But such games are never boring, I needed to play with full concentration for every second.
Have you ever been happier than when Akinfeev saved that penalty against Spain?
Football gives you amazing moments and I do not think I’ve experienced anything like that before, because the World Cup for a footballer is something special.
How did you feel after scoring four against SKA-Khabarovsk?
Scoring four (or a “poker” in Russian football –Ed.) is always nice, but I was happier when Skrobotov scored against Dynamo Moscow in injury time. Playing at the World Cup cannot be compared with anything either.
What was it like going to the reception with Putin?
I was a bit nervous before and we were told in detail how the ceremony would take place. I managed to calm down a bit and I even managed to talk a little with President Putin casual way, we had a chat and a joke. His main thought was that the team should continue to make the Russian people happy and become even stronger.
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How did you spend six days between the World Cup and the training camp?
My family were at the match with Croatia in Sochi and after the game I flew with the team to Moscow and then returned to Sochi to spend five days with my family.
Was it nice that Natalia Oreiro, singer of united by love, the Russia 2018 theme song, called you the sexiest player in the Russian team?
Ha ha, it gave me a reason to have a joke with my teammates. But at that time we were just getting ready to start the World Cup, so we were completely immersed in the work and I tried not to get distracted..
The British newspaper The Daily Mail said Veronika Yerokhin was the most beautiful player’s wife at the World Cup. How does that feel?
I read about it and I was happy for my wife. I knew this without the Daily Mail saying so!
Have you felt any increased attention on yourself after the World Cup?
Yes of course, in the city many people have come up to me to take pictures or just shake my hand. Recently, I went with my wife to IKEA and when in the queue people were coming up and smiling at me. Some people thought it was funny that I could be in IKEA, I’m not sure why? But I’m nothing special and I’m always out in public places, at the cinema or shopping at the supermarket.
Is it true that you have an exhibit in the Barnaul museum of local history?
Yes, my boots and a Zenit shirt are there. Before that Alexei Smertin had a display and now it’s me. It's nice and an honour.
Your son Fedor is a year old, how is he?
He is fine and is already walking. When I come home, I take him in my arms and he starts pointing at different things and asking me to tell him about them. He is interested in everything and very curious, he already knows almost all the animals and I try to spend all my free time with him and with my family.
Have you thought about getting him into sport?
I would like him to play in sport and not necessarily football, it’s good for you and for your discipline. He will choose what he is interested in and as parents, we should be there to support and advise him so he can develop even more.
What else is there in your life, except for football and family?
Music. I play the guitar for my son although at his age he’s more interested in it as an object. Recently I have been reading a lot, detective stories, biographies, historical books. I am trying to learn English, German and trying to develop myself.
