Sergei Kolesnikov, the massage therapist associated with Alexander Kokorin, the striker known for his time with Fiorentina, contends that a return to Russia would not be advisable for the player. Speaking to RB Sports, Kolesnikov expressed a clear personal view: the conditions surrounding Kokorin’s career in Italy have not yet opened a path back home, and any potential move would have to come with careful consideration of where he could actually find regular playing time.
According to Kolesnikov, Fiorentina has not allowed Kokorin to depart, which leaves unresolved questions about a domestic return. When asked about what club could realistically accept him in Russia, the masseur posed a straightforward challenge to the idea: which club would guarantee opportunities for Kokorin to play? He suggested that options like Sochi or Dynamo Moscow might seem plausible on paper, yet the reality of a return hinges on whether such teams would embrace him as a contributor who could consistently feature in matches rather than sit on the bench. The fundamental question, he noted, is about the feasibility of a meaningful return given the current circumstances and the broader dynamics of the Russian league.
Kokorin’s pre-season performance with Fiorentina carried high expectations. He showed sharp form, scoring three goals across friendly fixtures, signaling his readiness to contribute on the pitch. Yet the competitive reality of Serie A is unforgiving; after being named in the squad but not taking the field in the season’s first two league fixtures, questions about his immediate role persisted. This disconnect between pre-season momentum and early-season minutes underscores the delicate balance professional footballers navigate between potential and opportunity, especially when dealing with loan spells and delicate club hierarchies.
The 32-year-old forward began his European journey with Fiorentina after transferring from Spartak Moscow in 2021. His name has remained a familiar one in Russian football circles, with associations to several prominent clubs including Zenit, Sochi, Dynamo Moscow, and Anzhi Makhachkala during his domestic career. The trajectory of Kokorin’s path has been shaped by both talent and the evolving demands of top-tier leagues, a mix that has kept him in the discussions of fans and pundits alike as he seeks to reestablish his form and find a lasting fit within competitive squads.
In the most recent season, Fiorentina arranged a loan deal for Kokorin to a Greek Cypriot side, presenting him with a fresh environment to adapt to while hoping to recapture the form that had once marked his rise. Across that campaign, Kokorin accumulated 27 appearances in the local league and found the back of the net 11 times, contributing to the side’s campaign and adding to his professional resume. His performance during that spell was noted as a demonstration of his ability to impact games when given playing time, a factor clubs weigh heavily when considering long-term plans for forwards who have experienced both peaks and setbacks in their careers. The season also included the broader context of the team achieving success, including a gold medal win that highlighted the positive moments amid the usual fluctuations of professional sport.
Across the broader conversation, Kokorin’s journey has been a point of reference within Russian football circles, where analysts often compare his current form with earlier phases of his international exposure. The evolving narrative around his career reflects the ongoing assessment by clubs and fans alike of where his talents can best be utilized in the present moment, and how his experience at different leagues might translate into tangible benefits for a potential new employer in the future. The discourse remains dynamic, fueled by performances in training, friendlies, and formal matches, as well as by the strategic needs of teams seeking to bolster their attacking options with a player who brings both skill and a storied professional background.