Lokomotiv’s forward Artem Dzyuba expressed a clear stance about engaging with working journalists, insisting that conversations should be frank and professional, conducted without personal or sensational dirt. His remarks were cited by Match TV, underscoring his desire for informative and respectful exchange rather than provocative headlines.
“Yes, I’m talking to you now. There would be more people who are really doing their job, interested in football itself, the process itself, it’s interesting to reveal personalities in football… You can talk about anything, but without getting dirty. And now there is so much jaundice in football for the sake of opinion and exaggeration, I do not think it is right to agree with this. There must be some principles and concepts,” Dzyuba said.
Earlier this season, Dzyuba paused his interactions in the mixed zone with journalists following a dispute involving a media outlet employee. The incident highlighted the delicate balance players navigate between public accountability and the pressures of media coverage, a dynamic familiar to many in the sport who must manage privacy and access in high-profile environments.
Having joined Lokomotiv last season, Dzyuba later extended his stay on a 1+1 contract, signaling mutual interest in continued collaboration between the player and the club. This arrangement, commonly used in modern football contracts, provides flexibility for both sides as they assess performance, fit, and long-term plans within the team and league.
In the current season, Dzyuba has appeared in 16 Russian Premier League matches and four National Cup fixtures, contributing four goals and three assists. His productivity reflects his continuing role as a goal-scoring option and creative contributor for Lokomotiv. In the prior season, the striker shared the honor of being the club’s top scorer with Izidor and Miranchuk, despite playing only a portion of the campaign, which underscores his impact when on the field and his value to the squad during limited appearances.
Beyond the pitch, the narrative around Dzyuba includes discussions that extend to rival interest and public perception. A former Lokomotiv player even floated the idea that Dzyuba could test his skills in mixed combat sports, suggesting an octagon bout as a possible spectacle. While this notion sits outside the realm of football, it illustrates how players can become focal points in broader sports entertainment discussions, sometimes blurring lines between athletic pursuits and media narratives.