Andrei Mostovoy, a player for St. Petersburg Zenit, spoke about an unusual moment from his travels in Paris, where he claimed to have eaten frog along with a familiar chicken dish. The disclosure came through the club’s press service, offering a rare glimpse into the lighter, human side of a professional footballer who usually occupies attention with on-field performances and training routines.
Describing his Parisian dining experience, Mostovoy noted that he ordered chicken that accompanied him through the meal, and he found the salads in many venues to be overpriced and not particularly flavorful. He contrasted this with seafood options, which he found to be both affordable and satisfying. The anecdote adds texture to the image of a player balancing high-level competition with the normal meals and simple pleasures that athletes often seek while traveling for matches and tournaments.
Behind the scenes, Krasnodar led the Russian Premier League after a full 18 weeks of play, entering the winter break with 38 points. Zenit stood in second place, two points behind the leaders, while Dinamo Moscow held third with 32 points. Lokomotiv Moscow followed closely in fourth with 31 points, and Spartak, the capital-based club, occupied fifth position with a total of 30 points. These standings reflect the intense competition within the Russian top flight, where every match influences the dynamic between traditional powerhouses and emerging challengers as teams prepare to return after the winter pause.
As the season resumes, Zenit is preparing to renew its campaign against Spartak, setting the stage for a pivotal match after the winter break. The upcoming clash is anticipated to take place in early March, a schedule that could reshuffle the table and influence momentum for the second half of the campaign. The anticipation extends beyond results, as fans and analysts watch for tactical adjustments, player form, and the strategic decisions of both managers as they navigate a demanding schedule across domestic and potential European fixtures.
Meanwhile, Mostovoy has made no secret of the rest period’s end and his readiness to return to action. He indicated a refreshed mindset and a readiness to contribute to Zenit’s push in the second half of the season, underscoring the mental and physical preparation required to compete at a high level in one of Europe’s prominent football leagues. His remarks illustrate how players balance wellness, recovery, and competitive drive as they transition from break periods back into the rigorous demands of league play and international engagements.