Anyukov coup for Zenit
Monday, July 18, 2005
Article summary
FC Zenit St. Petersburg have signed Russian international Aleksandr Anyukov from rivals FC Krylya Sovetov Samara.
Article body
Local hero
The 22-year-old has agreed a three-year contract with Zenit, days after his former team-mate, Lithuania striker Robertas Poškus, switched to St. Petersburg from Krylya Sovetov. As the latter club's only significant Samara-born player, Anyukov will be sorely missed at a club where he made his debut as an 18-year-old in 2000, having graduated from the local Voskhod football academy.
Right berth
Anyukov is expected to be deployed as a right-sided midfielder by Zenit coach Vlastimíl Petrzela following the departure of Vladimir Bystrov for FC Spartak Moskva. Anyukov has won nine Russia caps, scoring one goal, and was part of his country's UEFA EURO 2004™ squad. In all, he struck four goals in 71 league and 20 Russian Cup games with Krylya Sovetov.
