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Home fires still burning for Sporting's Izmailov
by Dmitri Rogovitski
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Marat Izmailov has no regrets at all about
moving to Lisbon (¿Getty Images)
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Guus Hiddink is doubtless taking note of Marat Izmailov's
great form at Sporting Clube de Portugal, but the former FC Lokomotiv
Moskva player told uefa.com: "It's not up to me to decide whether
I get called up or not."
Interested observer
The 26-year-old has not played for the national team since a 1-1 draw
against Israel on 7 October 2006, and despite reviving his injury-dogged
career in Lisbon, had to watch Russia's progress to the semi-finals of
UEFA EURO 2008T on TV. "I was happy about their successes,"
he said. "Now, after EURO 2008T, a lot of Russian players have become
well known in Europe. I am proud of the boys who gave the country such
a magnificent reason to celebrate."
Coy midfielder
Many in Russia would celebrate if Izmailov were to rejoin the national
team too, with the one-time FC Lokomotiv Moskva prodigy - who won Russian
titles in 2002 and 2004 and played in major international final tournaments
in both years - back on song after a move to Sporting, but he remains
coy about his prospects, saying: "I only think about playing regularly
for Sporting. My job is to work hard and show what I can do. It's not
up to me to decide whether I get called up or not."
Satisfying autumn
Izmailov is certainly impressing in Lisbon. Handed a five-year contract
after a successful loan spell, he has been a regular starter in a successful
Sporting side this autumn. "I am happy with how the team played and
with my own game," he said. "In the Champions League, Sporting
made it to the last 16, while we are among the leaders in the Portuguese
league and have a good chance of winning the title. We have one goal in
every match, and that is to win."
Language classes
However, he conceded that he has not been as impressive with his Portuguese
lessons as he has been on the pitch. "Initially the club helped me
with language classes, but due to our punishing schedule it was a problem
to attend regularly," he said. "Anyway, I know all the footballing
terms in Portuguese, so there is no problem communicating on the pitch,
and off the pitch, I normally spend my time with the players who speak
English."
Home thoughts
While Lokomotiv's declining form in Russia has given him some pangs for
home ("I feel bad for my old team, but I always believe things will
get better," he said) he is enjoying life at Sporting too much to
dwell on such matters. "I am so happy I came here," he said.
"I have no regrets at all about moving to Lisbon. Everybody is exceptionally
professional here, and for me things have worked out perfectly. All my
thoughts for now are on success with this club."
UEFA.com,
22 December 2008
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