Zenit fullback Anyukov dismisses rumours of Arshavin row
Zenit St. Petersburg defender Alexander Anyukov explained his refusal to wear the captain’s armband and denied reports of his row with Andrey Arshavin.
«All I can say is it was my personal decision and I believe it was the right thing to do. I don’t see any point in discussing it, especially considering that the decision was made a month ago. Our team is fine, believe me.»
«Is it better to be responsible for the whole team, or just for your own game?»
«I’ve always carried the responsibility for the whole team, and I always play for the team. As should any other player.»
«But now there is no additional pressure on you…»
«No. You journalists blew this thing way out of proportion, looking for some hidden meaning, but the fact is there’s been no disagreements in the team, it’s just what I wanted to do.»
«There are rumours in Saint-Petersburg that you and your long-time buddy Arshavin had a row…»
«Arshavin and me? That’s the first I hear about it!»
«Has he settled in the Zenit team yet?»
«Everything is down to him. If he wants to be as good as he was, he will be.»
«Shirokov said that you didn’t clarify your reasons to the rest of the squad.»
«And it will remain that way,» the Russia international told Sport-Express.
