The captain for the Blue-White-Sky Blues held a press conference in Udelny Park where he announced that he is leaving the club. 

— I called a press conference today to speak about my future. As you know my contract with the club is ending in a month. We were unable to reach an agreement with the club, so this Saturday I will play my last match in a «Zenit» jersey.  

I want to thank the club and my partners for these seven years. And of course, the fans for everything that I’ve been through with this great club and this great city. 

These were seven years full of joy and victories. That’s why I am leaving happy and with my head hanging high. 

I am very thankful for everything that Russia has given men. And I am proud of the fact that I spent my career here and at the very highest level. 

These were  fantastic years. My children grew up here. This country is going to forever remain in my heart. 

My time here is coming to an end, but who knows. Maybe my kids will play here for this incredible club — «Zenit».

I will continue to cheer for «Zenit» and for Russia. I wish them as many wins as possible and I thank everyone who supported me. Thank you very much. 

— What was the reason in particular for the disagreement with the club? Was it the length of the contract? 
—No this is football, this sort of thing happens. We had negotiations, we met three or four times, but we couldn’t reach an agreement. However, I’ll say again: this happens in football. 

— You recently had a tattoo that symbolises St. Petersburg. Did you know that you were leaving the club when you got this? 
—At that point the situation was 50/50. But either way I wanted to have this done as a memory of the time that I spent here. I really love this city. 

— Where will you go next? 
—I don’t know yet. There are 5 or 6 variants, but my family and I have to discuss which decision to take. You know that my children play football and are doing very well. But in any case, I hope that I will be called to the national team — we’ve already spoken with the coach — and then we will decide.