“Such an opportunity seemed to fall from the sky”
The move of Fyodor Smolov on loan to Celta was a real surprise not only for the fans, but also for his partners. It seemed that the 29-year-old striker said goodbye to the dream of leaving for Europe, and even the athlete’s agent German Tkachenko admitted in December that the striker was focused on working out the contract with Lokomotiv expiring in June 2022.
However, on Thursday evening there was information that the striker will spend the second half of the season in Celta, who is fighting for survival in Example.
Perhaps the most accurate comment was made by his former Lokomotiv partner Vladislav Ignatiev.
“Well, you made shock content, of course. Good luck, brother, ”the protector wrote on Instagram.
View this Instagram post
Well, you made shock content of course) good luck brother🤘
Posted by Vladislav Ignatev (@ignatev_vlad) Jan 30, 2020 at 11:38 PST
Surprised by the player’s departure to Spain was even the first coach of the twice best RPL scorer Alexander Pospelov.
“This is a big surprise. I'm glad that he did it. Such an opportunity seemed to have fallen from the sky. Well done, I believe in Fedya. His wish came true. In Spain, football is very technical. I will not say anything else so as not to jinx it. Good luck, glad with all my heart. You really dumbfounded me directly: like snow on my head, ”the Championship expert quotes.
In the social networks of the Russian national team, the football player was also wished good luck.
“Fyodor Smolov moved to Celta on loan. We wish you every success, ”reads the national team’s Twitter post.
Fedor Smolov transferred to Celta on loan 🔥🔥🔥
Best of luck 🤜🏻🤛🏻 #OurParnicomspic.twitter.com / USY1I38FlA
“I would be happy to advise Fedor a couple of good restaurants”
Of course, I could not help but speak out about the transfer of a compatriot to Celta, Alexander Mostovoy, who spent 276 matches in the Vigo team and scored 70 goals in them. He stated that he was pleasantly surprised by Fedor's lease, and stressed that the Galician would really need a striker now.
“He promptly moves to Celta and tastes Spanish football. The main thing is to play and start to score. This will help the team get out of the situation in which it found itself. And if, God forbid, Smolov fails, everyone will start talking bad things about him again. I would be happy to advise Fedor a couple of good restaurants. I think he is already in Spain. He can always call me, I'll tell him everything. But we must not forget that Vigo is not Madrid and not Barcelona, ”said Mostovoy.
By the way, the striker added to the impressive list of domestic legionnaires who appeared in Spain. So, the former captain of the Russian national team spent seven years in this country, and at the moment, CSKA coach Viktor Onopko.
“Smolov is a good player, he can try his hand abroad, especially in one of the leading European championships. “Celta” has a rich history of victories; Karpin and Mostovoi played there. In Vigo, they are well remembered. Fedor will be able to play in Spain. Everything will depend on him, on how quickly he adapts to the team. The language barrier is important - this is communication. The example is different from the RPL, but Smolov has a "foundation". If he comes to Celta and works from the first day, proving to the trainer and partners his need, he will give all the best to 200%, then everything will work out, ”Onopko suggested.
According to the expert, Smolov decided not too late to try his hand in Europe, as many clubs are not shy about taking older players.
In the Example, the forward will make the company to Denis Cheryshev, who currently stands for Valencia. Midfielder's father Dmitry Cheryshev, who also played and trained in Spain, noted that Fedor will have to be in the court in Celta. According to the mentor, much will depend on Fedor’s dedication and his desire to progress.
“This is a strong act on the part of Smolov. The club will get out of a difficult situation, be sure to improve its position and will progress. Celta knows how to work with Russians. Fedor comes to Spain at a great age, he still has the potential, ”Cheryshev Sr. said.
But another Russian, who tried his hand in Spain, Dmitry Khokhlov, on the contrary, admitted that the step of his former Dynamo partner did not surprise him, since Smolov had long wanted to play in a strong European championship.
“Smolov is a good striker who has had experience playing in the Netherlands. Everything should work out for him. Of course, I played for a long time in Spain. I think a lot has changed there, but one thing has remained unchanged - high demands on the players from the fans and the club’s leadership. Fedya should give all the best for 100%, ”Khokhlov said.
The former captain of the Russian national team, Roman Shirokov, who played a lot alongside the striker in the national team, also spoke about the departure of the striker to Spain.
“Fedor - well done! For him, this is a new challenge in his career, he has long sought to leave. In Celta, they will look at Smolov and decide whether he is ready or not. It’s early to say whether he is able to become the new King, as Mostovoy was. Plus, Fedya needs to get used to the new conditions. It is comfortable here, but it will not be exactly what he is used to, and the requirements are tougher. It is very good that he made such a choice. I was not afraid and went. I am sure everything should work out. I wish him to stay at Celt after the lease expires, ”R-Sport quotes Shirokova.
“Showman in Russia, engaged to Boris Yeltsin’s minor granddaughter”
In Spain, the transition of the striker caused conflicting emotions. Sufficiently detailed material on this topic was published by one of the largest sports newspapers in the country Marca. It, in particular, tells about the player’s relationship with Maria Yumasheva. And the article itself went under the heading: “Smolov, a box with surprises: a showman in Russia, engaged to Boris Yeltsin’s minor granddaughter.”
It is curious that almost nothing is said about Fedor’s game achievements. But the author wrote a lot about the athlete’s personal life: a romance with Victoria Lopyreva, relations with Miranda Shelia and Sofia Nikitchuk. It was also mentioned a shocking video with the participation of Olga Buzova in one of the entertainment programs.
As for the fans of Celta, after Smolov’s arrival they had the opportunity to remember Valery Karpin and Alexander Mostov, who played for the team for more than one season and left a significant contribution to the club’s history.
“Alexander Mostovoy or Valery Karpin, explain to him what it means to play for Celta,” one of the fans demanded.
“King 2.0,” another added, referring to Mostovy’s nickname in Celta.
Some fans even promised to drink a glass of vodka for every goal of a Russian. However, not everyone was happy about his transition.
“Can someone explain to me why people are happy about this transfer? I don’t know who it is, ”one of the fans wrote.