Jarosík sets Russian record

Czech international midfield player Jirí Jarosík has become the most expensive player ever to join a Russian club after completing his move from AC Sparta Praha to PFC CSKA Moskva.

Five-year deal
Following a successful trial period, CSKA, who were runners-up in the Russian Premier League in 2002, have agreed a five-year contract with Jarosík and have paid a national record €3.7m for the player, exceeding the previous mark set when they signed Juris Laizans for €3m.

Transfer interest
After three-and-a-half seasons at the Letná stadium, Jarosík, formerly of FC Slovan Liberec, was given permission to negotiate a transfer when Sparta failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Leeds United AFC and FC Spartak Moskva were rumoured to be among the interested clubs, but any prospective transfer failed to materialise and Sparta chairman Vlastimil Kostál said before Christmas that he expected Jarosík to stay with the club until the end of the season.

Third signing
However, then CSKA entered the race for the 25-year-old, who has won 16 caps for his country. CSKA coach Valeri Gazzaev decided to strengthen his midfield after signing goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov from FC Alania Vladikavkaz and striker Denis Laktionov from Korean Republic side Suwon Samsung at the end of last year.

Sparta clear-out
Jarosík is the fourth Sparta player to move to the Russian league this winter, after his former team-mates Martin Horák, Pavel Mares and Radek Sírl all joined FC Zenit St. Peterburg.