He was recently invited to join the jury of the Russian Football Cup all-star match. What impressions did he take away from this unique event?
He found the format incredibly engaging. He loves how sports can become a spectacle, letting athletes shine and display their talents in a brighter light. In such formats, a touch of playfulness is welcome, and he enjoyed that sense of lighthearted energy. The overall mood left him with positive, lingering feelings about the experience.
When asked which football player surprised him the most, he pauses a moment, considering the wide talent pool on display. He wondered if some players might have a future in artistic gymnastics, given their agility and flair in certain challenges. In particular, he noted Maxim Turishchev, Rostov’s forward who spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Moscow Rodina. The moment Rondat performed a gymnastics element in one of the challenges, a wheel with legs attached to the middle of the movement, stood out as especially impressive. The combination of athleticism and showmanship impressed him deeply, signaling that talent can cross disciplines in surprising ways.
He is often seen at Moscow Spartak’s home matches and was asked about his journey as a fan. He began actively supporting Spartak about a year and a half ago, following his first invitation to the stadium. The experience drew him into football on a deeper level, and he remains grateful for how it brought him closer to the sport he now follows with genuine interest.
Asked whether there is a favorite in the team, he cites Quincy Promes as his preferred player. He admires Promes for his speed, technical skill, and ability to score. There is a personal connection as well, since they know each other on a friendly basis off the pitch, which adds another layer to his appreciation of Promes’s game.
Discussing the team led by Guillermo Abascal, he admits that his attendance at stadiums has been limited this year due to a busy schedule. Because of that, he hasn’t followed every development as closely as he would like. Yet this does not dampen his support for Spartak. He makes an effort to stay connected through the club’s social networks and continues to cheer for the team with steady enthusiasm.
As for the team’s standing, the red-and-whites ended the first half of the season in fifth place in the Russian Premier League. When asked what end-of-season position he foresees, he shrugs with a light laugh and keeps his hopes simple: maybe a strong finish, perhaps a top spot, though he admits predicting the exact outcome is tricky. His optimism remains intact, underscored by a belief in the team’s potential and resilience.
Regarding broader topics in Russian sport, he heard that the Russian Olympic Committee would stop financing the preparation of neutral athletes for the Paris Games. He candidly says he did not have information on that decision and had not encountered it firsthand. Nevertheless, he confirms that training and preparation for competitions continue in the usual manner, underscoring a commitment to staying ready for opportunities that may arise.
Looking ahead to 2024, he shares ideas about the competitions he plans to participate in. The goals include the BRICS Games and the Friendship Games as part of international competition, in addition to the Russian Championship and the Russian Cup. He emphasizes the wish to avoid injuries and to compete in these events with strong performances, maintaining focus and preparation throughout the year.
What is the single most important aspiration for the coming year? His broadest dream for 2024 centers on a trip to the Olympic Games in Paris. He notes that athletes do not decide eligibility alone, but he remains hopeful about earning the opportunity to compete and to perform at a high level on one of sport’s grandest stages.