Axel Witsel

[zolayes 14,489]

To be honest the Russian league is way above the French one at the moment. PSG are spending big and buying all the fancy players, but what else is there really? In Russia they have a lot of good teams and a bunch of big spending clubs (Anzhi, Zenit) who can attract most top class players these days, or at least the ones whose level are just below the likes of Barca, Real and the big English clubs. The league is very competitive and they can even play in Europe while also earning a shitload of money. What's wrong with that?

Personally I probably wouldn't want to move to Russia and there sure are a lot of downsides to the country too (racism, shit weather etc.) but if they're okay with that, then it's their choice to make.

I think the rabid racism will stop many players going there

[FormerRussianSpy 163]

I guess the money justifies it all. From a footballing perspective...they are in the CL, so it's not like they are joining a graveyard league.

[Term-X 7,891]

Are you aware that on your signature there are 3 socks with the same color as Man City's jersey?

I can tell you that the first thing I thought of when I looked at the picture is those must be City players.

Clearly you don't have a good eye then, the image in my sig is that of a Champions League game, hence the CL patch on Essien's sleeve. We have never competed against City in Europe. The colour itself is fine, Napoli, Lazio, Argentina etc are all famous for it. Advertising an actual 'emblem' however, is entirely different.

[Ollie 4,400]

Think it's Marseille, could be wrong

They have a very good team now Zenit, they could be a real force. They have Milan, Malaga and Anderlecht and i'd expect them qualify and maybe even to win the group. Wouldn't wanna face them tbh. Strong team. Also have Kerzhakov and Danny and Alves at the back. Dangerous.

[Pizy 18,877]

Falcao's father did say that a Russian side was pursuing him. Maybe it's Zenit trying to reunite Hulk and Falcao?

[The Skipper 20,609]

Another one going to that shit league. Anyone who chooses the Turkish or Russian leagues over the English, Spanish, German or French leagues show a lack of class and ambition. Money, money, money.

There is still a Man City badge on that seat Jose is sitting in.

Not like he chose. None of the English, Spanish or German clubs actually came for him. It was a good offer and it looks like Zenit are building a decent team, so why not?

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

When you take a step down in your career, it's hard to ever get back to somewhere near the top. Going to Russia will mean less exposure for him. He is young too so this move makes even less sense. Shame he has shown a lack of belief and ambition and caved in for money. I guess he can still showcase his talent in the Champions League and with the Belgian national side (Should he even get picked anymore). So those two things keep his chances of playing for a big club still alive, barely. For the meanwhile though, that's another option gone for us. Fellaini jumps to the top of the list. With M'Vila/Tiote/Moutinho close behind.

[Thor 2,692]

LOL at the overreaction in this thread.

Acting like money isn't a big deal. Then acting as if he didn't go to a decent team. Hes in the champions league, and he'll be playing high quality football, while getting paid more for it.

[Blue-in-me-Veins 4,067]

what a shame we missed out on him. Zenit 80mil on two players, great job if they want to sell tickets bring that luster to their club, cant blame them. and we are in no position to talk about players being greedy, none whatsoever.

[The Skipper 20,609]

God, people acting like Zenit are some sort of League 2 side. Ignorance.

[Chelsea? 892]

Like money isn't the main deciding factor for most of u guys selecting a job

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

God, people acting like Zenit are some sort of League 2 side. Ignorance.

Zenit is not a step up. Fact. If I'm feeling generous I'd say it's a parrallel move. If I'm stating the cold, harsh reality, it's a step down.

[CRonaldo 55]

Of course it's a step down.

But they have money, so it's all good.

The day 2nd division of Liechtenstein will be the richest, all the players will go there.

Step up, step down, they don't care: it's a step up in their bank account.

[laeth 527]

How are these rich Russian teams going to comply with FFP? No way they make anywhere near the money they are spending.

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

How are these rich Russian teams going to comply with FFP? No way they make anywhere near the money they are spending.

I wish people would stop bringing up FFP. You should have realised by now that it means nothing.