The Brazilian defender Fernando Costanza, a standout player for the Wings of the Soviets, shared his impressions of Samara by comparing it to Rio de Janeiro. His remarks were carried by Match TV.
When Costanza first arrived in Samara, he was amused by the nickname some locals used for the city’s training grounds, joking that Samara might be Russia’s Copacabana. He explained that the description has some truth to it because the area around the team’s facilities is known for its beauty, and the sunshine on the riverbank can feel almost tropical. In his words, the place carries a certain rhythm that reminds him of Rio in a quieter, more relaxed way. This comparison underscored how quickly a international player can connect with a city through its feel and scenery, even while adapting to a new football culture. The sentiment reflects his growing appreciation for life outside the pitch and the way local surroundings can influence a player’s sense of belonging (Match TV).
Costanza himself has settled in and embraced life in Samara. Having spent a year and a half in the city, he has noticed a natural ease that comes with extended exposure to the local environment and people. He believes that this period of adaptation has helped him blend into the club and the community, turning what began as a foreign experience into something resembling routine. The player has grown confident in his ability to communicate and to contribute on and off the field, describing a sense of becoming part of the fabric of the place and feeling almost native here (Match TV).
Before joining Wings of the Soviets, Costanza played for Sheriff in Moldova, and his move to Samara took place in January 2022. In Brazil, his professional arc included time with Botafogo, a club renowned for its rich footballing tradition. During the current season, Costanza has appeared in six official matches for Wings, contributing with goals in the games where he took the field and helping solidify the team’s attacking options. This progression highlights his ongoing impact at the club and his ability to adapt his game to different leagues and tactical setups while maintaining a consistent level of performance (Match TV).
The Wings, under the guidance of coach Igor Osinkin, have accumulated eight points from five Russian Premier League matches this season, placing the team seventh in the standings. The squad’s results reflect a competitive performance that mixes defense with a dynamic attack, a combination Costanza has helped to reinforce through his versatility and experience. The collective effort of the team has kept them in the mix in a league renowned for its intensity and depth, signaling potential for further progress as the campaign unfolds (Match TV).
Looking ahead, Krylia Sovetov is set to host Baltika Kaliningrad in an upcoming home fixture. The match is scheduled to begin at 17:30 Moscow time, marking a timely opportunity for Wings to build on their recent momentum. Predictably, the game will attract attention from fans who follow both teams and the broader league, eager to see how Costanza and his teammates respond to the challenge of balancing offense with disciplined defense. The anticipation surrounding the encounter underscores the ongoing narrative of Costanza’s integration into Samara’s football culture and the role he plays in the team’s evolving strategy (Match TV).
In summary, Costanza’s experience in Samara illustrates a broader trend among foreign players who bring their own backgrounds and adapt to the surrounding football ecosystem. His reflections on the city, his sense of belonging, and his ongoing contributions on the pitch contribute to a fuller picture of how international players can embed themselves within a club’s identity while delivering on the field. The story of his arrival, adaptation, and current form adds a layer to the Wings’ ongoing campaign in the Russian Premier League, reflecting both personal growth and collective ambition (Match TV).