Former Spartak president Andrey Chervichenko weighed in on Zenit midfielder Claudinho’s decision to turn down national team duties for Russia. He noted that Claudinho recently acquired a Russian citizenship passport, implying a practical motive behind the move. “Where did people get such illusions from? Why would he want to play for the Russian national team?” Chervichenko questioned. He suggested the passport might serve a purpose beyond sport, joking that it could help with a mortgage in St. Petersburg. (source: sports24)
During the summer, Zenit’s Brazilian duo, Malcom and Claudinho, signaled their desire to remain with the Nevsky-side club for the upcoming season. They later explored the possibility of securing Russian citizenship, expanding their ties to the country. (source: sports24)
In this season’s Russian Premier League, Malcom has appeared in 24 matches, contributing 16 goals and seven assists, while Claudinho has been involved in 20 games, tallying 3 goals and seven assists. Both players have made a mark in Russia since their arrivals, with Malcom settling in 2019 and Claudinho in 2021. They have both celebrated Olympic success as part of Brazil’s national squad at the Beijing Games. (source: sports24)
Former coach Sergei Semak hinted he would welcome a potential Malcom transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, should such a move arise. This possibility underscores the ongoing conversations around the players’ futures and the broader transfers landscape in European football. (source: sports24)