Sevilla move for Kerzhakov
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Article summary
UEFA Cup holders Sevilla FC have signed Aleksandr Kerzhakov on a five-and-a-half year contract from FC Zenit St. Petersburg in a deal worth €5m.
Article body
UEFA Cup holders Sevilla FC have signed Aleksandr Kerzhakov on a five-and-a-half year contract from FC Zenit St. Petersburg in a deal worth around €5m.
Out of favour
The 24-year-old Russian international, who has scored eight times in 37 appearances for his country, was the top scorer in the Russian Premier League two years ago. He became surplus to requirements at Zenit however when Dutch coach Dick Advocaat took over in July, making only 16 appearances last season.
'Fell in love'
Blanco uncertainty
With Sevilla signing Kerzhakov, forward Kepa Blanco admitted his future there is no longer certain. He said: "The club made a new signing and I have to accept that. I decided to stay at the club this summer but I don't know what their position on this is now. I haven't considered leaving the club or leaving on loan, but I will have to accept what the club decides."
Partnership deal
Meanwhile, Zenit have also announced the signing of a long-term partnership deal with Sevilla with €15m. "I think this is one of the biggest deals in Russia's soccer history," said Zenit sporting director Konstantin Sarsania. "It includes many facets of football business. Kerzhakov's transfer is just one of them."
