Former Manchester United and Russia national team midfielder Andrey Kanchelskis weighed in on the topic of Alexander Kokorin, the seasoned striker who spent time with Fiorentina and later moved to Aris in Cyprus on a one-year loan. Kanchelskis offered his perspective in a candid stance about Kokorin’s career arc and the decision to send him on loan, emphasizing the mixed feelings that often accompany high-profile moves in European football.
According to Kanchelskis, some observers were puzzled by the lack of a clear chance given to Kokorin during his Fiorentina tenure. He suggested that such a decision does not inherently harm the club and urged straightforward verdicts from management: are the plans for Kokorin clear or not? The former forward highlighted the talent Kokorin displayed, noting that he used to be considered Russia’s leading striker, a status that carried high expectations. While acknowledging the disappointment that comes with a player not fully realizing their potential, Kanchelskis remained pragmatic about the club’s strategic direction and Fiorentina’s leadership in those moments.
Kokorin, aged 32, is currently on loan at Limassol’s Aris for the duration of one season. The move followed a prior arrangement in which Fiorentina sent Kokorin to Aris on loan for the previous campaign. In the most recent season across the domestic league, Kokorin appeared in 27 league matches, tallying 11 goals, and contributed to Aris winning the league gold medal. His performance earned him recognition as the tournament’s standout player, underscoring his impact when fully fit and in the right system.
Tracing Kokorin’s professional path reveals a journey that began with Spartak Moscow, from which he departed in 2021 to join Fiorentina. Over the years, he has also become known for his work in Russia with clubs like Zenit St. Petersburg, Sochi, Dynamo Moscow, and Anji Makhachkala. The trajectory paints a picture of a player who has navigated the pressures of top-tier leagues and varying tactical setups, always with a spotlight on his goal threat and creativity in the attacking third.
Recent reactions from Italian supporters reflected a mix of curiosity and nostalgia as Kokorin stepped onto Fiorentina’s field again in a competitive fixture. The public’s interest in his form remains high, given the arc of his career and the expectations that came with his early promise. Kokorin’s ongoing presence in European football continues to be a talking point among fans and analysts who track his influence in decisive moments and his ability to adapt to different leagues and teammates.