Head of Russian FA: English football is athletic, but Russian is more spiritual

The president of the Russian Football Association Sergey Fursenko discussed his views on the differences between the styles of football in the English and Russian premier leagues.

«In England they play a physical and fast-paced game, whilst in our country the style of football is more intellectual, you could even say, spiritual,» Fursenko told Sport-Express.

«For example, I really enjoyed Andrey Arshavin’s game while he was at Zenit St. Petersburg, he had a spark. In England they don’t use him in the same position and he plays differently. I assure you that, after their return to the Russian League, Bilyaletdinov and Pavlyuchenko will flourish, which will help the national team. As for Arshavin’s possible return, I think you’d best ask the man himself,» he added.