Valery Masalitin on Zakharyan’s European path and the need for real preparation

Former CSKA forward Valery Masalitin spoke with socialbites.ca about a rising example in European football that he believes should guide young Russian players. He pointed to Real Sociedad midfielder Arsen Zakharyan as a clear demonstration that moving to Europe is not a ritual to be performed blindly. The key, Masalitin argues, is to approach such a move with preparation, resilience, and a well-planned path that supports long-term growth rather than a quick, flashy stint abroad. He emphasized that the decision to step onto a new stage should come with solid readiness—physical conditioning, mental fortitude, and a clear plan for adapting to a different football culture. In his view, Europe is not just a place to play; it is a proving ground where confidence, practice, and experience build the professional framework a young player needs to advance.