EURO 2008 INFO

The goalkeeper of PFC CSKA Moskva, Igor Akinfeev, can not wait for the start of the Russian League while leaving behind him a painful phase.

Motivation
The Russian international was sidelined for much of 2007 due to recovery from his injury, but is determined to make up for lost time now that the UEFA EURO 2008 ™ is increasingly close. Akinfeev was ruptured ligaments in his knee against FC Rostov on May 6 and did not return to the playing fields until November, when the Russian season reaches its climax. Now, CSKA begins this Saturday a season of the Premier League-at home against FC Shinnik Yaroslavl, while Russia plays against Romania on 26 November, the 21-year player is more motivated than ever.

Success
"I hope to help CSKA to return to the top of the Russian football and I hope to do the same with the selection. In the European Championship we must show that we are not weak players Russians. We have a strong team that is capable of achieving success in Austria and Switzerland. "

Tough job
Almost a year has passed since Akinfeev played for the last time with their selection. In his absence, the goalkeeper of FC Zenit St. Petersburg, Vyacheslav Malafeev, and Vladimir Gabulov, which recently changed FC Kuban Krasnodar by FC Amkar Perm, have taken their place. Both have contributed to the brilliant and exciting phase of qualification and Russian pressure Akinfeev, which does not surrender in its attempt to regain the jersey with the number 1. It is a battle, however, expects to earn Akinfeev. "Only time will tell. I have my chances but I still have to keep working hard. The season has just begun, "said the Russian.

Spain, favorite
The top priority now is to help the Akinfeev has CSKA regain the title lost at the hands of Zenit last season. But not neglect the UEFA EURO 2008 ™ where Russia is framed in the same group as Greece, Spain and Sweden: "Spain has the most interesting team and are therefore favourites. It is not an easy group, but all our rivals are vencibles. "

Good environment
Akinfeev returned to Russia last month to play a match in Turkey. Although the selection did not play the match, the goalkeeper was very happy: "It was nice to start. I met with colleagues after long break and enter into the atmosphere of the selection. It was no surprise that we had such a good atmosphere. There was no difference whether or not played. If at the end is not at stake because the coach felt that it was not necessary. "

Period agitated
It has been a tumultuous period for Akinfeev, as their vacations were interrupted by his strict regime of preparation: "I have been made available as the rest. He worked in the gym and in training camp Vatutinki. " The fans expect this period takes effect on the player in the long run.