Alexander Kokorin: I'm sorry about what happened and the scandal that followed

On 8 July the Russian forward met with reporters at the Zenit training ground and apologised for the incident in Monaco, as Zenit website informs.

I'm sorry about what happened and the scandal that followed. I apologise to all those who were offended by my actions. No excuses, I want to repeat that I have no connection to the amount of champagne stated and the incredible figures that were mentioned on social networks. 

I think that it's not right that the video, without evidence and without any legal facts, has made me out as guilty. I realize that the very fact of visiting such a place was a mistake. The situation looked stupid. I'm sorry that this happened after the unsuccessful Russian campaign at UEFA EURO 2016. 

I am very upset by the result (of UEFA EURO 2016) and our matches and am not evading responsibility. I apologise again to our friends and relatives, the leadership of the club, to the team's management and to all the fans.

Did you have any reason to celebrate after the EURO?

You're right, absolutely we were not celebrating. But we simply lost control of the situation once at the place. We went there spontaneously.

How will you prepare ahead of the Russian league season?

I will start preparing with Zenit-2. Any further instructions I'll get from the management. 

Why do you think we are always discussing the failure of the Russian national team? 

It's understandable when people are waiting for good results from a populous country like Russia and the results don't come, people have the right to express their dissatisfaction.

Vitaly Mutko has said that you and Pavel Mamaev will no longer play for the national team. Is this decision a blow for you? 

Of course it is, but it is the team's decision. 

Are you ready to play in the First Division for as long as you are required before you can return to the first team? 

I am ready and I will prove my worth on the pitch, in training and in the matches.

There is a lot of talk about the fine you will receive. What kind of sums are we talking about?

I do not know how much I'll be fined.

Are you going to sue television station that published the video?

No, I will not. It doesn't make any sense to do that. Even though there was a lot of false information, which has nothing to do with the truth.