Ruopolo on board at Lokomotiv
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Article summary
FC Lokomotiv Moskva have added another new attacker with the signing of the Italian striker Francesco Ruopolo.
Article body
New-look attack
The 22-year-old is the latest forward to arrive after Ruslan Pimenov returned from a loan spell in France at FC Metz and Esau Kanyenda joined from Premier-Liga rivals FC Rostov. He has signed a one-year contract but if all goes well, the club will have the option of a further four seasons. Ruopolo made ten Serie A appearances last term as well as being a regular in Parma's run to the UEFA Cup semi-finals.
Happy to sign
"I have no doubt I have made the right choice," Ruopolo said. "First, this is about playing in the [UEFA] Champions League. Second, Lokomotiv are the reigning Russian champions, a top-class team. Third, it is obvious that the Russian league is on the up." Lokomotiv will enter the Champions League in the second qualifying round, playing either F.Y.R. Macedonia's FK Rabotnicki or Latvia's Skonto FC.
