Rostov defender Viktor Melekhin commented on his inclusion in the expanded list of the Russian national team in November 2022. Transmits words Meta ratings.
“I wasn’t ready for the national team back then, so Karpin didn’t call. If I was ready, I think Georgievich would have called me.
I am not yet Smolov and Kokorin. They’ve probably already played their match. This is their opinion, and I really want to get into the Russian team, feel the emotions of the anthem. I’m sure every young man wants to go to the national team.
If there is such an opportunity, I will go with my eyes closed.”
Melekhin was not on Karpin’s final list in 2022. Alexander Kokorin and Fedor Smolov stated in their interviews that they consider it meaningless to be called up to the national team in the current situation.
In the spring of 2022, the International Football Federation (FIFA) and the Association of European Football Associations (UEFA) decided to exclude all Russian clubs, as well as the Russian national team, from all competitions controlled by these organizations.
During the suspension period, the Russians played several friendly matches with teams from Iraq and Iran, as well as from Asia.
Previously reportedThe player of the Russian national team moved to Zenit.