Former Russian national team player Pavel Pogrebnyak weighed in on the wave of criticism directed at Vasily Berezutsky, the former CSKA Moscow defender who argued that Russian footballers should consider opportunities abroad to develop their skills. Pogrebnyak was quoted as reflecting on these remarks in a discussion that touched on national pride, professional growth, and the realities facing players today.
He suggested that Berezutsky’s point was meant strictly in terms of athletic development. From Pogrebnyak’s perspective, patriotism is important, but athletes are also people who must evolve. He argued that gaining experience in foreign leagues can elevate the performance of the national team by broadening tactical understanding, maturity, and exposure to different styles of play. The former striker emphasized that the criticism he heard did not align with the broader needs of players who aspire to compete at the highest levels. He spoke about the practical benefits of international experience and why many players pursue opportunities beyond domestic borders.
Berezutsky expressed his views in an interview with journalist Nobel Arustamyan, asserting that to reach and sustain a high level, leaving the homeland is essential. He asserted that the move is not tied to any particular country or flag, and that the method of pursuing growth should be secondary to the goal of achieving excellence on the field. He argued that location, nationality, or the mechanics of transfer are ultimately less important than the pursuit of top-tier competition and personal development.
Berezutsky’s career with CSKA Moscow spanned from 2002 to 2018, during which the club celebrated multiple domestic and continental successes. With the Army team, he earned six Russian championships, lifted the National Cup seven times, and captured the UEFA Cup title once. His long tenure and the trophies collected underscore his influential role in the club’s era of dominance. He announced his retirement in 2018, marking the close of a chapter that left a lasting imprint on the club’s history and on Russian football culture.
Earlier, Alexey Berezutsky had weighed in publicly on his brother’s controversial interview, adding another layer to the conversation surrounding national expectations and the choices players face when considering foreign competition. The dialogue among veteran players, journalists, and fans continues to shape opinions on the balance between national loyalty and professional development in modern football. The central question remains: how can Russian players maximize their growth while contributing to the national team’s success, both now and in the future?