Russian duo take Kazakh citizenship

Two Russian players, Evgeni Lovtchev and Oleg Musin, have accepted Kazakhstan citizenship and will play for the national side.

'Lifelong dream'
Lovtchev, captain of FC Zhenis Astana in the Kazakh Super League and Kazakhstan's player of the year, said: "I decided to take Kazakh citizenship after the country was admitted to UEFA. It was a lifelong dream to play against the best players in Europe and it would be hard for me to play regularly for Russia. In Kazakhstan my skill and experience is valued."

Historic goal
Lovtchev made history in July when he scored the first ever goal by a Kazakh team in UEFA competition, for Zhenis against FC Sheriff Tiraspol in the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round. The son of a former USSR international, he also led the club to the 2001 title.

'I feel Kazakh'
Meanwhile, Russia-based Musin, who narrowly missed out on a place in the Russian squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, said: "I feel Kazakh and could not ignore the invitation to play for my mother country. Even if Russia asked me to play for them, I would opt for Kazakhstan."

Relegation campaign
The midfield player recently suffered relegation from the Premier League with FC Sokol Saratov. Kazakhstan are not involved in the UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying tournament, but their representative teams will take part in UEFA competitions forthwith.