Ayaz Guliyev Eyes Future National-Team Possibilities and a Broad Club Journey
A midfielder for Khimki, a club located near Moscow, has expressed openness to representing Azerbaijan at the international level in the future. In a statement reported by RB Sports, the player did not close the door on the idea of donning the Azerbaijan jersey, suggesting that awaiting final confirmation could open that path for him.
The player was born in Moscow, yet his father hails from Azerbaijan, a heritage that keeps the option of playing for Azerbaijan on the table. He did not break into the main Russia national team after earlier appearances with the youth squads, leaving room for a potential switch if the circumstances align. He emphasized responsiveness to the possibility of representing Azerbaijan should the governing bodies approve the move, adding that he would not rule out wearing that national jersey in the future rather than the Russian one.
Guliyev joined Khimki in the summer of 2022, continuing a career path that has included several notable clubs. Before settling with Khimki, he spent time with Spartak Moscow, Anzhi Makhachkala, Rostov, and Tula Arsenal. This varied club history reflects a player familiar with different environments and styles across Russia, which could influence his readiness for international play with Azerbaijan if the opportunity arises.
Off the pitch, a 2019 incident involving a pedestrian altercation and a vehicle incident drew significant attention. Reports indicated that the player did not stop for a red light and subsequently collided with one of the pedestrians involved in the incident. This episode has remained a topic of discussion among fans and analysts who monitor players’ careers alongside their off-field conduct. [Attribution: RB Sports]
In other sports news, Arkady Dvorkovich, who formerly led the International Chess Federation, commented on the decision of 12th world chess champion Alexandra Kosteniuk to change her sporting citizenship and begin competing for Switzerland. The remark underscored how national allegiance in sports can shift, sometimes rapidly, across different disciplines and levels of competition. [Attribution: Associated coverage]