Former head coach of the Russian youth team Dmitry Khomukha, St. Petersburg club commented on the information that the Brazilian football players of Malkom and Claudinho can obtain Russian citizenship.
Previously, it was reported in the press that blue-white-blue players were allowed to obtain Russian passports.
“I have a negative attitude towards the naturalization of football players. Especially in the current situation that the national team does not participate in the tournaments and the foreign transfer has nothing to do with football.
It’s not about being seen as a legionnaire, nothing more. Here the monetary interests of the players themselves play a role. Income tax will be reduced to 15%, but now they pay much more – this is the main reason, ”says the expert sports24.
Malcolm has been with Zenit since 2019 and Claudinho since 2021. Both players are Olympic champions in the Brazilian national team.
In the current season of the Russian Premier League (RPL), Malcolm has attended 16 meetings, where he has managed to score 11 goals and provide 5 assists. Claudinho scored 2 goals and made 4 assists in 11 games.
Former coach Valery Nepomniachtchi declarationThat Malcolm and Claudinho can strengthen the Russian team.