Onopko completes Vallecano switch
Tuesday, August 27, 2002
Article summary
Viktor Onopko has moved from second division Real Oviedo to Primera División Rayo Vallecano.
Article body
Russian international Viktor Onopko has moved from Spanish second division Real Oviedo to Primera División outift Rayo Vallecano on loan for the coming season as Oviedo look to ease their financial troubles.
Stringent tests
After passing stringent medical tests on his knee, Onopko was presented yesterday at Vallecano. Hours later, he was included in the 24-man Russia squad to face the Republic of Ireland in a crucial EURO 2004™ qualification match in September. The call up came one week after Onopko was rewarded with a new car in recognition of reaching 100 international caps.
Keen to begin
The 33-year old said that he is keen to begin working with Vallecano coach Fernando Vázquez. "For me it is very important to play again in Primera División," he said. "I hope that everything will go well. I am very happy to be with coach Fernando Vázquez. He is the best coach for Vallecano, he has a lot of first-division experience and knows perfectly well how to work with youngsters.
