Welcome to St. Petersburg! How are you feeling about moving to Zenit? What are you feeling now?
I feel only positive and I’ve been waiting for this move for a long time. We all know this transfer saga has gone on for a while, I’m just happy it’s finally happened. I’m delighted to be here, I can’t find the words to say how happy I am.
Can you tell us more about the move? H were the negotiations and how was the decision made?
I don’t know if it’s possible to reveal all the details… There were times when I thought that everything had fallen through, and at other times I was ready to fly to St. Petersburg, but it didn’t happen. It was very difficult for me mentally, but I’m glad that everything has ended this way, and now I’m a Zenit player.
Is this move to Zenit the biggest challenge of your career?
100%! This is the best club in Russia, with six league titles in a row, and this season the club celebrates it’s centenary, so it’s a big responsibility for me, a big challenge.
How would you rate your physical condition at the moment? When will you be ready to play?
I feel good, but I can’t answer this question totally, I haven’t trained with the team for over a month, only on an individual programme. We have the international break and a friendly coming up so I’m sure that during this time I’ll be able to quickly get up to speed.
You’ve always worn number 7, will you wear 7 at Zenit? And why is this number special for you?
I just like this number. As a child I wore 14, because my father also wore that number at amateur level. I then took number 7, because I was born on the seventh (of March) in 1997. So 7 is a special number for me.
You have played against Zenit many times. What do you know about the club, the stadium and the city?
Zenit were our main rival and it was always very difficult to play in St. Petersburg. I have never won a game here, although I have scored, but I have never managed to win. We beat Zenit only once, and that was in the Russian Cup. Zenit are the best team in Russia and it is extremely difficult to play against Zenit, wither at home or away.
Finally, do you have a message for the Zenit fans?
Dear fans! I understand things and I understand you. Most of you have a negative view of me and that’s understandable. I’m not asking you to support me, I’m just asking you to give me a chance. Not even a chance, but a small chance to become one of your own. I promise that I will give my best on the pitch, full dedication, and a good attitude towards the club, the fans and the city, I will try to make the best of this chance. Zenit are champions!