"In" Spartak "he was called Ilyusha Muromets": ex-defender of the USSR and Russian national teams Kulkov died at the age of 55

Vasily Kulkov, a former football player of Spartak and the Russian national team, has died in Moscow at the age of 55.

This information was confirmed to the Championship by his wife Elena Makharadze.

The exact cause of death has not been reported.

However, it is known that for several months the ex-player, who has worked in the Spartak academy in recent years, has been struggling with cancer.

He had to undergo a planned operation and died in intensive care.

In addition, some time ago, a specialist was ill with a coronavirus.

Kulikov was diagnosed with stage III esophageal cancer in June last year.

In November, he underwent a complicated 14-hour operation to remove the organ, which gave hope that his condition would improve.

After being discharged from the hospital, the former football player underwent several courses of chemotherapy and was under constant medical supervision.

In June this year, Makharadze reported on the improvement in her husband's health.

She said that no one was left out of their troubles - many supported both financially and morally.

So, the "Spartak" academy did not break off labor relations with him.

Kulkov was a pupil of football near Moscow, but many fans will remember him for playing for Spartak, where he moved after coach Oleg Romantsev in 1989.

As part of the red and white, the player became the champion of the USSR and Russia.

In 1991 he went to Portugal, where he won gold in the national championship for two seasons in a row - first with Benfica and then with Porto.

In 1996 he received an invitation from Millwall, but his career did not work out in England.

After returning to Russia, Kulkov again played for Spartak, as well as Zenit and Wings of the Soviets.

The footballer was also noted for his outstanding performance in the national team.

For the national teams of the USSR, CIS and Russia, in total, he played 42 matches, in which he scored five goals.

After completing his playing career, Kulkov was a member of the coaching staffs of Khimki, Tom, Lokomotiv and other teams, and also stood at the helm of the youth Spartak.

"He was singled out by Eusebio himself"

Condolences on the death of Kulkov were expressed by his colleagues, fans, functionaries and other representatives of Russian football.

Spartak were among the first to react to the news.

“He was an outstanding footballer and one of the legends of Spartak.

His departure is a very sad event ", - quotes the owner of" Spartak "Leonid Fedun" Championship ".

Today, after a serious illness, Spartak defender of the 80s and 90s Vasily Kulkov passed away.

It was he who led the team with the captain's armband to historic matches in the Champions Cup in 1991.

We express our deep condolences to the family and friends of Vasily Sergeevich.

pic.twitter.com/43Sz88ohs0

- FC "Spartak-Moscow" (@fcsm_official) October 10, 2020

Despite the fact that Kulkov suffered from a serious illness, many noted that his death took them by surprise.

Romantsev admitted that for him the former ward was a "dear person", and the ex-captain of the red and white Andrei Tikhonov said that it was "hard for him to find words."

Ex-midfielder Yegor Titov also said that he took the news as a personal tragedy, since they were well acquainted.

“I remember his first games for Spartak and for the national team - he was a master with a capital letter.

Honestly, you need to digest this information.

I have no idea how this could have happened.

I know that he was treated for oncology for a long time.

He underwent a difficult operation, seemed to be cured.

Recently, I have had a minimum of information.

Vasya was only 54 years old - to still live and live, to transfer his emotions and skills to the younger generation, but, unfortunately, this will not happen, "- Titov quotes" Sport Express ".

Former Spartak doctor Yuri Vasilkov shared warm memories of Kulkov.

He said that the footballer was distinguished by his fearless character, and in terms of skill, he could compare with such outstanding players as Fedor Cherenkov and Ilya Tsymbalar and play in any European team.

“In“ Spartak ”they called him Ilyusha Muromets.

For his heroic build and character.

Calm, balanced person.

I never remember him being annoyed, angry.

I followed all the coaching guidelines flawlessly.

My heart ached right now.

It could be used to make a sculpture of a real fighter on the field.

He willingly made friends with people.

He never had any malice in his soul.

Such a simple Russian guy ... What a pity! ”Vasilkov complained.

And the head coach of Rostov Valery Karpin recalled other character traits of the ex-partner.

According to him, Kulkov was a modest, but at the same time extremely hardworking person who was always ready to help young colleagues.

“I came to Spartak when Kulkov was already playing there and felt it on myself.

One of his most memorable games is, of course, against Napoli and personally against Maradona.

When preparing for meetings with Italians, Vasily already knew that he would take care of Diego.

It was not easy for him, but Kulkov managed.

But he also had many other great matches - for example, in the same Champions Cup against Real Madrid, - said Karpin.

Dmitry Alenichev also remembered the actions of the footballer in the match against Napoli.

According to him, on the field, he was distinguished by intelligence and technicality.

“Besides purely football qualities, Kulkov is remembered as a very kind and sincere person.

In this he reminded of Fyodor Cherenkov - both could literally give the last.

I know what I'm talking about, because I happened to live with Vasily at the training camp in the same room.

Unfortunately, another player of our Spartak team left us - Fedor, Ilya Tsymbalar, Andrey Ivanov, now - Kulkov.

This is a very big loss, ”added Alenichev.

One of the closest relationships Kulkov had with Sergei Juran, with whom they played not only in Spartak, but also in Benfica, Porto and Millwall.

The specialist said that they were literally like brothers.

“As a person he was just super!

You could always rely on him.

To give, as they say, life to save.

And what a footballer!

One of our greats ... Universal.

He could play both the central defender, and the defensive player, and on the flank.

It is no coincidence that Eusebio himself singled him out when he watched Benfica's games.

He told me later: “I have seen a little in my life football players who act equally effectively in different positions.

Not just plugging holes, but playing wisely - the way it should! ”, - Juran shared his memories.

In addition, condolences on the death of Kulkov were expressed in the Russian national team, in the Russian Premier League (RPL), in Zenit, as well as Alexander Mostovoy, Igor Shalimov, and many others.

It is reported that Kulkov's funeral will take place on Monday.

Spartak expressed their readiness to help with the organization of mourning events.