Post by viktor on Jun 22, 2008 22:05:54 GMT 7
After the incredible win against Netherlands, the main attention is on Roman Pavlyuchenko and Andrey Arshavin, but I'd like to introduce on of my favourite players (along with Shava) that has at least the same importance as these two - Konstantin Zyryanov. His life was full of tragedies, he reached the bottom, but when Zenit bought him , he found a new motivation, found a new girlfriend and was the best Russian player without a doubt last year.
So please do read this article and do watch out for him in the future, because such bravery isn't very common.
So please do read this article and do watch out for him in the future, because such bravery isn't very common.
KONSTANTIN Zyryanov beat Neil Alexander in injury time to clinch the UEFA Cup for Zenit St Petersburg last month and stuck the ball up his jersey.
A daft and pointless celebration for some but for the player the meaning cut deep.
Zyryanov's roller-coaster tale of turmoil and tragedy has been well-documented across Europe and that moment capped a return from the depths of despair.
Six years ago his world fell apart. The midfielder had managed to deal with the loss of his brother and father through a turbulent couple of years but nothing could prepare him for what was to happen on a horrific night in October 2002.
Zyryanov's wife, Erena, threw herself from the eighth floor of the couple's apartment block in Moscow. As if that wasn't bad enough Erena was holding the hand of four-year-old daughter Olga.
In a tragedy that shocked Russia, little Olga died despite medical teams fighting through the night to save her life.
Zyryanov was left to pick up the pieces. Doing so was hard but the player's fighting spirit and refusal to crumble has brought him to Austria and Switzerland armed with a tale of courage and bravery.
There have been two key factors in his rehabilitation - Zenit and new partner Natasha.
Under the guidance of coach Dick Advocaat at Zenit, Zyryanov has thrown off the shackles of a holding midfield role and his new freedom has helped with the rebirth of his career.
He displayed this fresh impetus during the UEFA Cup Final in Manchester, scoring Zenit's second to secure victory over Rangers.
The reason may not have been clear to many but his goal celebration was a message to Natasha who recently announced she is pregnant.
It is another sign Zyryanov's life is reverting to something like normality.
And having tasted success on the club front in Europe this term, a triumph with his country would be a fitting climax to his story.
Russia's Dutch coach Guus Hiddink has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal with star men such as Andrei Arshavin, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Dmitri Sychev the main attractions.
But that has not stopped Hiddink placing his trust in the less-flamboyant Zyryanov and he may be needed more than ever with Arshavin banned for the first two games.
Hiddink was the man who gave Zyryanov his international debut against Spain two years ago and it is the Spanish who will provide the opposition today as as Hiddink's men get their Group D campaign under way.
It's a tricky section with Greece and Sweden also involved but there is an air of confidence around the Dutchman's camp.
Russia are many people's outsiders for the competition and their credentials will go on the line in Innsbruck against the slick Spaniards.
However, given what Zyryanov has been through in recent years there is nothing in the Armada that will pose any fear.
Zyryanov's brave take on life has become a guiding principle for the squad.
He said: "A man has one life and you have to live it so you will have something to remember.
"You cannot look back and you must go on, whatever has happened to you.
"You must enjoy every minute of this life, every second of your time with relatives and friends.
"If you do that then you will be happy."
The player clearly is happy with his lot these days and there is no one with an interest in this tournament who would begrudge the troubled star another taste of glory if Hiddink's team go all way.
One thing is for sure - Zyryanov's story will act as an inspiration to every Russian - on and off the pitch.
A daft and pointless celebration for some but for the player the meaning cut deep.
Zyryanov's roller-coaster tale of turmoil and tragedy has been well-documented across Europe and that moment capped a return from the depths of despair.
Six years ago his world fell apart. The midfielder had managed to deal with the loss of his brother and father through a turbulent couple of years but nothing could prepare him for what was to happen on a horrific night in October 2002.
Zyryanov's wife, Erena, threw herself from the eighth floor of the couple's apartment block in Moscow. As if that wasn't bad enough Erena was holding the hand of four-year-old daughter Olga.
In a tragedy that shocked Russia, little Olga died despite medical teams fighting through the night to save her life.
Zyryanov was left to pick up the pieces. Doing so was hard but the player's fighting spirit and refusal to crumble has brought him to Austria and Switzerland armed with a tale of courage and bravery.
There have been two key factors in his rehabilitation - Zenit and new partner Natasha.
Under the guidance of coach Dick Advocaat at Zenit, Zyryanov has thrown off the shackles of a holding midfield role and his new freedom has helped with the rebirth of his career.
He displayed this fresh impetus during the UEFA Cup Final in Manchester, scoring Zenit's second to secure victory over Rangers.
The reason may not have been clear to many but his goal celebration was a message to Natasha who recently announced she is pregnant.
It is another sign Zyryanov's life is reverting to something like normality.
And having tasted success on the club front in Europe this term, a triumph with his country would be a fitting climax to his story.
Russia's Dutch coach Guus Hiddink has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal with star men such as Andrei Arshavin, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Dmitri Sychev the main attractions.
But that has not stopped Hiddink placing his trust in the less-flamboyant Zyryanov and he may be needed more than ever with Arshavin banned for the first two games.
Hiddink was the man who gave Zyryanov his international debut against Spain two years ago and it is the Spanish who will provide the opposition today as as Hiddink's men get their Group D campaign under way.
It's a tricky section with Greece and Sweden also involved but there is an air of confidence around the Dutchman's camp.
Russia are many people's outsiders for the competition and their credentials will go on the line in Innsbruck against the slick Spaniards.
However, given what Zyryanov has been through in recent years there is nothing in the Armada that will pose any fear.
Zyryanov's brave take on life has become a guiding principle for the squad.
He said: "A man has one life and you have to live it so you will have something to remember.
"You cannot look back and you must go on, whatever has happened to you.
"You must enjoy every minute of this life, every second of your time with relatives and friends.
"If you do that then you will be happy."
The player clearly is happy with his lot these days and there is no one with an interest in this tournament who would begrudge the troubled star another taste of glory if Hiddink's team go all way.
One thing is for sure - Zyryanov's story will act as an inspiration to every Russian - on and off the pitch.
