Mikhail, thanks to Zenit we got a chance to visit the heart of St. Petersburg. You were born in Kingisepp and you’re a citizen of St. Petersburg, what are you feeling now being in front of the Russian Museum?
“The first time we had this type of training was last year next to the Bronze Horseman, and for us as football players it was probably the most memorable training session. These events demonstrate our unity with the city. It’s great that we made it into a tradition and did it again. I think it’s very important for the fans, for the citizens and for us, it shows us that we’re united as one.”
The grass here is soft. Are you ready to dive around like in your childhood?
“As soon as this interview is over I’m going to get there! It’s true, when we were kids we were training in similar conditions.”
Which place would you want to train at next? The ground of Palace Square might be too hard.
“I don’t know, maybe we’ll cover it up with something, but it would be cool to train at Palace Square (smiles)! Though generally, there are many beautiful historical places in St. Petersburg, and it would be interesting at any of them.”
What did you get to see in the Russian Museum?
“We had a small tour and in twenty minutes we went through seventeen rooms, we saw the paintings of Aivazovsky, Levitan and Bryullov. These are true Russian art and they allow you to feel the Russian spirit. I think the guys, including our foreigners are all impressed.”
Which one feels dearer to you, the Russian Museum or the Hermitage?
“I think they’re both near and dear to me. Though I think soon I’m going to pay another visit to the Russian Museum and spend more time here as today it wasn’t enough.”
Is it a usual training session or is it a way to demonstrate your routine and talk to fans?
“It’s just communication with our supporters and an exhibition for them. We had our usual training session in the morning.”
