CSKA Moscow and Dynamo continue to prepare for the new season of the Russian Premier League (RPL). One of the stages will be the «Brotherly Cup» — two friendly matches between the clubs. On this occasion, the teams invited foreign legends — the Ivorian Seydou Doumbia and the German Kevin Kuranyi.
In an interview with Sport, Doumbia assessed the period of his career in CSKA, said that his transfer to Spartak Moscow was impossible, and also spoke about his attitude to jokes about age.
— What does returning to Moscow mean for you, arriving at the CSKA stadium?
— It has been seven years since I left Russia. Therefore, to see the stadium is very strong, magnificent.
— Has the city changed? Can you compare Moscow in 2015 and what you saw today?
— I can’t say about the city, because I didn’t have time to look around so far. But ready to talk about the team. She definitely hasn't changed.
—Looking back on a long career, how can you describe this stage of life?
— Five years spent in Moscow are the best in my career. It was here that I began to play in the Champions League, won the championship and the Cup of Russia.
— There is a feeling that not everyone said on the football field, could you play more?
— At the moment I have nothing to say, I don't want to make any statements. For now, I am out of football and have to reformat.
— How did two years pass after the end of my career?
— Recently, it has been difficult to combine family and football — I had to move around a lot. I tried to train, and then I began to take care of the family completely.
— Despite the end of your career, you are in good shape. What is the secret?
— Even if I am not an athlete now, nothing prevents me from maintaining good physical shape. This is my life line, from which I never deviated.
— Even when you played in Moscow, there were many jokes that you were much older than the official age. How were they treated?
— Normal jokes, I liked it.
— How old do you feel?
— I feel on my 35. I will say more — I can still play football.
— Is it worth waiting for the return of Doumbia not for a couple of matches, but for a longer period in some status?
— Any trip to Moscow in any status is always interesting for me.
— And work in CSKA?
— I would be glad, because it was here that he wrote history as a football player. It would be nice to come and work, if, of course, they invite me.
— Are you surprised that Igor Akinfeev and Kirill Nababkin are still «dusty»?
— As for Akinfeev , he can play for years more. And Nababkin is generally a professional. Although, of course, he pestered me on the field (with jokes).
— At the time when you played for CSKA, the media periodically wrote about the interest from Spartak. Was he really?
— Probably, there were such rumors, but I don’t know if there was something. I myself would never have been able to move from CSKA to Spartak. I understand the importance of this derby. I think it was just rumors.
— Now there is information about the direct transfer of Jesús Medina from CSKA to Spartak. This hasn't happened in 30 years. Do you have an explanation?
— I can't speak for Jesus. Everyone has their own vision of life. This happens too.
— Another shock for the fans was the news that Mario Fernandez will move to Zenit any day, although everyone was waiting for a return to CSKA. Did a former teammate surprise you?
— Mario and I had a great time at CSKA. It's hard for me to comment on things like this. Probably, this is his choice.
— Now the Russian team cannot participate in official tournaments. How do you look at a possible friendly match between Russia and Côte d'Ivoire?
— I would really like to help our teams play. If something depends on me, I will do it.