Midfielder Kenny Sayef of Neftchi spoke to Sport Express ahead of his trip to Russia, noting that no questions were on his mind as he prepared to travel. He underscored a straightforward approach to the assignment: this is football, and the job is to perform. He praised Saint Petersburg as a remarkable city and Russia as a welcoming country, expressing enthusiasm about meeting the team and fans. When the news of the trip came through, Sayef says there were no uncertainties to dwell on—just readiness to compete.
Currently, the international friendship tournament is taking place in Saint Petersburg, featuring notable clubs such as Neftchi, Zenit, Fenerbahçe, and Red Star Belgrade. This event brings together a mix of European and regional clubs, offering competitive matches and an opportunity for players to showcase their talents on a high-profile stage.
In the most recent Azerbaijan Premier League season, Sayef appeared in 32 matches and found the back of the net four times, contributing meaningful offense from the midfield. Market analyses have pegged his value at around 700,000 euros, reflecting his growing reputation in regional football and his potential appeal to clubs seeking versatile midfield options in North American and European markets.
Sayef is occasionally associated with discussions about notable players who previously defended Zenit, with references to former Zenit legend Andrey Arshavin. While Arshavin’s career remains a benchmark for success at the club, Sayef’s own path illustrates how international tournaments and cross-border exposure can elevate a player’s profile beyond domestic leagues.