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Record deal for Shakhtar captain

FC Shakhtar Donetsk captain Anatoliy Tymoschuk has joined Russian side FC Zenit St. Petersburg on a four-year contract and for a record fee in excess of €15m.

FC Shakhtar Donetsk captain Anatoliy Tymoschuk has joined Russian side FC Zenit St. Petersburg for a record fee in excess of €15m.

Russian record
The 27-year-old midfielder, who will have a four-year contract, has become the most expensive signing in the history of the Russian Premier-Liga and also the most costly transfer involving two clubs from the former Soviet Union. The 65-times capped Ukrainian international is also set to be Zenit's top earner, with an annual wage of more than €2.5m.

Shakhtar thanks
"I can achieve a lot here," said Tymoschuk. "The fact Zenit are coached by Dick Advocaat played a considerable part in my decision. This move will benefit my new club and me personally. I want to thank Shakhtar for all the years I spent there and president Rinat Akhmetov, who did not hinder my plans to change club."

Ukrainian career
Tymoschuk spent ten seasons in the professional ranks at Shakhtar, scoring 32 goals in 226 league games, and winning three Ukrainian Cups and three championships. He represented Ukraine at last summer's FIFA World Cup and trails only Serhiy Rebrov and Andriy Shevchenko in the list of his country's most-capped players.

Srna signs on
Better news for Shakhtar is that Croatia midfielder Darijo Srna, 24, has agreed a new four-and-a-half year contract tying him to the club until the end of 2011. "Darijo decided to stay and we are very glad that his wish coincided with our aims," said director Serhiy Palkin. "The fans will be happy as well because Srna is one of the best players in Europe in his position." Shakhtar face holders Sevilla FC in the UEFA Cup Round of 16.

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