Marat Izmailov: Last year I could move to Rubin Kazan

Sporting Lisbon midfielder Marat Izmailov has told about his last year’s negotiations with Rubin Kazan and why the move to the Russian club has fallen through.

«My agent Paulo Barbosa and I have been considering various options, but there were some problems about each of them. Either the offer was insufficient for Sporting, or something else occurred. There was also interest from Rubin. I have personally communicated with Kurban Bekievich [Berdiev, Rubin head coach – Sports.ru]. He is a great professional immersed in football and his job. Berdiev sets high goals and that is why the opportunity to work with him appealed to me very much. The more so because Rubin would take part in the Champions League.»

«Why didn’t it happen in the end?»

«I was ready to come there for a year – or two at most. However, Rubin were thinking about longer terms. Therefore, we did not reach agreement. But, as the time has shown, it all has turned out for the best. Both for the club and, perhaps, for me. I got injured and could not help the team – while the money for me would be already paid. Now I feel myself happy at Sporting and I see my future only in Europe,» Izmailov stated to Sovetsky Sport.