Saenko moves home with Spartak switch

Russian international forward Ivan Saenko has opted to join UEFA Champions League hopefuls FC Spartak Moskva following 1. FC Nürnberg's relegation from the German Bundesliga.

Summer appearances
The 24-year-old, who has 11 caps to his name, put pen to paper on a four-year contract after deciding to return to his homeland following four appearances at UEFA EURO 2008™. The versatile striker, who can also play on either side of midfield, made his debut in the Russian Premier-Liga at the age of 17 with FC Fakel Voronezh before joining German second-tier side Karlsruher SC where he would score 21 goals in 86 league matches.

Cup triumph
A move into the top division followed with Nürnberg, with whom he appeared 83 times in the league, scoring 18 goals, and he helped the club to win the German Cup in 2007 against VfB Stuttgart. "I spent many years in Germany and the decision to move to Russia was not easy for me," said Saenko.

European ambitions
"Following discussions in our family circle we decided that Spartak is the best destination for my future career," he added. "They are a really strong club who have the opportunity to qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stage this season." Spartak can book their place in the group phase by overcoming Ukrainian side FC Dynamo Kyiv in the final qualifying round, with the first leg taking place in Russia on Wednesday.