The French footballer connected with Zenit in Saint Petersburg, Wilson Isidore, spoke openly in an interview with Soviet Sport, expressing his affection for everything about Russia.
Now 23, the forward noted that his family makes their home in Saint Petersburg. He shared his enthusiasm for the city, saying he has explored many remarkable spots there. He described the atmosphere as beautiful and imbued with a deep sense of history and culture, almost tangible to anyone wandering the streets.
“Russia welcomes visitors with warmth and charm; the people here are kind, and the cities are stunning to behold. Moscow and Saint Petersburg stand out as extraordinary destinations. I also had the chance to visit Kazan, a place equally striking. My love for Russia runs deep, which is why I am here. The culture, the cuisine, the music, and everything else about this country feels right,” stated the French player.
Izidor joined Zenit from Lokomotiv Moscow in September 2023. His contract with the Saint Petersburg club runs through the summer of 2024, marking a period of adaptation and growth within a club known for its competitive push in Russian football.
During his time with Zenit, Isidore has appeared in 14 league matches and found the back of the net twice. In that season of the Russian Premier League, Sergei Semak’s team demonstrated solid form, accumulating 36 points and claiming a second-place finish in the standings, a result that reflected both the club’s resilience and the quality of its attacking lineup amid a highly competitive schedule.
The topic of which foreign players best fit the Russian Premier League has often sparked discussion among fans and pundits alike. A former national team coach recently pondered what kinds of foreign talent would bring value to the league, emphasizing the importance of players who adapt quickly, respect the local culture, and contribute to the team’s tactical balance. In this light, Isidore’s experience—balancing on field responsibilities with integration into a new footballing environment—serves as a practical example of how a foreign player can grow within the league while positively impacting his team’s performance.