Congratulations on scoring and the Man of the Match award, how was the game for you?
It was a good game, the first half was not easy for us, as they played quite deep, so it was not easy to find free space near their goal. In the second half the game opened up and it became easier for us to play. The most important thing is the result and we’re happy.
It’s your second goal for Zenit two months after the first. We could see from your reaction how important it was for you to score. Is that a weight lifted off your shoulders?
Yes, sure. I have to score here, especially at home in front of our fans. It’s been a long time since I scored my first Zenit goal. Now I hope that I will score more often. And not just me, but the whole team.
How did the goal come about?
I’m very glad that I scored. Wendel passed into free space, I looked around and found that I was alone with the ball. I got close to the goalkeeper, beat him and sent the ball into the back of the net. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I feel very, very happy.
Tell us about the goal celebration, you put the ball under your shirt. What does that mean?
My girlfriend is pregnant and we are expecting a baby! This was a celebration in her honour.