Gurenko steams back to Lokomotiv
Friday, August 1, 2003
Article summary
FC Lokomotiv Moskva have re-signed Belarus captain Sergei Gurenko, four years after he left the club.
Article body
Free agent
The 30-year-old has joined as a free agent after being released by Italian club Parma AC. Gurenko previously played for Lokomotiv under coach Yuri Semin from 1995-99 and has signed a contract that runs until 15 December 2003.
Extension discussions
However, he hopes to discuss an extension when this period is over. "I am very happy to have found a club so quickly after becoming a free agent," he said. "Now I hope to help Lokomotiv as soon as I am fit."
Champions League challenge
Lokomotiv are currently eighth in the Russian league, 14 points behind leaders PFC CSKA Moskva, and are preparing for their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round match against either FC Sheriff of Moldova or FC Shakhtar Donetsk from Ukraine.
Previous clubs
Gurenko, whose previous clubs include AS Roma, Piacenza FC, Real Zaragoza and FC Neman Grodno, has won a record 63 caps for his country, scoring three goals. He is Lokomotiv's third high-profile signing this summer after the arrivals of Georgian international striker Mikhail Ashvetia from FC Spartak-Alania Vladikavkaz and Russian international midfield player Dmitri Khokhlov from Real Sociedad de Fútbol.
