Kramarenko leaps in at CSKA

CSKA Moscow have captured Azerbaijani international goalkeeper Dmitri Kramarenko, who signed a 12-month deal with the club with an option for another year.

Reunited with coach
Kramarenko had trials at Club Atlético de Madrid and FC Spartak Moscow before deciding to sign for his former coach Valeri Gazzaev at CSKA. The 27-year-old has played in the Premier-Liga for FC Torpedo Moscow, FC Alania Vladikavkaz and Dinamo Moscow, the latter two sides under Gazzaev. But there is no favouritism - Kramarenko must now fight to displace CSKA's Russian Under-21 star Veniamin Mandrykin.

'Thrive under pressure'
“I was never afraid of competition," he said. "The opposite is true, in fact, I thrive under pressure. Mandrykin used to be my reserve at Alania."

'Ambitious club'
“I have a great relationship with Gazzaev and I agreed almost immediately when I was offered the chance to join the club. CSKA are a very ambitious club and with a coach like Gazzaev we could go all the way," Kramarenko added.

International fall-out
Kramarenko has played for Azerbaijan 15 times, including the nation's first ever match in 1992. Born in Baku, he retired from the international game after falling out with his national association, but he has told uefa.com that he would return if picked.

'Pay my own fare'
“I will play if I am called up by Azerbaijan," he said. "It is not true I was not playing because I asked to be paid. If I had to I would not hesitate to pay my own plane fare just to play for the national team again."