Congratulations on your first assist in a Zenit shirt! How are you feeling?
I am very happy! I’ve worked hard and have been dreaming about this for a long time. I had some chances during my first month at Zenit, but those just didn’t work out. So I am very happy with the win and the assist.
Tell us more about the goal and how it was scored.
It was from a long ball, Luciano won it, turned well and passed it to me. I was looking to see who was running in and passed it.
It’s your birthday tomorrow, but we won’t congratulate you just yet, although was your assist an early birthday present to yourself? How are you planning on celebrating your 26th birthday?
I’m very happy, and yes, I gave myself a gift. I hope that turning 26 will see a new chapter begin for me. I will continue to be useful to Zenit and try to get wins.
We see that you’ve been given a present to take home, who’s that from?
Yes, my daughter’s godmother lives in Rostov and gave me the present. I don’t know what’s in it yet.
Do you want to open it right now and save having to pack it?
No, no, I don’t like to open gifts in advance. Tomorrow I will!
How have you planned to spend your birthday? Or are you not thinking about it at all ahead of the game with Spartak?
Tomorrow we have a scheduled training session.
What’s the best gift you might get?
The best birthday gift is today’s win.