Football manager Thiago Ribeiro, who represents Zenit midfielder Wendel, commented on his departure from his ward at the height of the season.
“Yes, Wendel has already gone on vacation. I assume other foreign players will follow suit. This break was granted as a reward after clinching the league title,” Ribeiro stated, according to sports24.
Wendel sat out Zenit’s most recent match, a 2-2 draw with Orenburg. Upcoming fixtures see the blue-whites facing Sochi and Fakel.
Wendel has appeared 25 times in the Russian Premier League this campaign, contributing nine goals and three assists.
It is recalled that Zenit previously allowed Malcolm to return to Brazil at the peak of the season, when his wife Letizia was expecting a baby. The birth did not take place in Russia, as the family chose to rely on loved ones nearby.
On May 7, St. Petersburg hosted Zenit as they defeated the red-whites to seal their fifth consecutive Russian championship. Claudinho, Andrey Mostovoy, and Ivan Sergeev found the net for the champions, while Keita Balde and Quincy Promes stood out for the runners-up from the penalty spot.
Former coach Massimo Carrera expressed surprise at Zenit’s continued dominance across recent seasons, noting the team’s steady success has become a defining feature of the league. [Attribution: various contemporary sports reports]