Torpedo-ZIL land Khlestov
Monday, January 13, 2003
Article summary
Dmitri Khlestov has left FC Spartak Moskva on a free transfer and signed for FC Torpedo-ZIL Moskva.
Article body
Highly-regarded defender
The 32-year-old defender has been one of the most highly-regarded players at Spartak in recent years after spending 12 seasons with the club and winning eight Russian titles. In 2000, Khelstov joined Besiktas JK in Turkey but he returned to Spartak two years later.
Several offers
Khlestov was on a six-month contract with Spartak with a three-year extension option, but the club decided to release him in December. Despite his age, the player had several offers from Premier-Liga clubs, and chose Torpedo-ZIL, becoming the first addition to their squad in the pre-season period.
Major overhaul
Torpedo-ZIL were bought by giant Russian metal company Norilski Nikel in December, and are in the midst of a major overhaul, with almost all of their squad currently on the transfer list. General director Yuri Belous has also confirmed that the name of the club will soon change.