How did you meet Andrey?
We were introduced to Andrey by chance, so to speak, then it turned out that it was fate. We had mutual acquaintances, but we took a long time to stay together, at first there were several dates on which we left the wrong impression about each other. (smiles)

How long have you been together?
We’ve been together for 4 years. This is, of course, nothing in terms of eternity, but for us it’s already enough, our characters are basically incompatible

Do you like football yourself? Do you attend matches?
I love football, in itself. The game makes me worry, and it’s always interesting, and of course, I became more interested in it after I met my husband.
I’m always present at home matches if I’m healthy, I also go to away matches, but in those cities where I still have friends. I combine football and the opportunity to see them

Do you communicate with the wives of other players, if so, then with whom?
Of course I communicate with my wives. There are just acquaintances, there are close friends. Maria Bazhenova, Marina Kasaeva, Zinovieva Maria and Maria Ryzhikova. On good terms with Maria Bilyaletdinova, only Maria something (smiles) Plus a lot of wives I know from Ukraine. I’m afraid you can’t list them all, but mostly there are a lot of wives from “Rubin”

How do you feel about fans?
If the fans are real, and not just one name, then I’m fine, otherwise we have a lot of “specialists” who just come to yell at the place and out of place

My husband, fortunately, is not a star, so the Lord fenced me off from fat girls in the worst sense of the word, but fans of his “creativity” are still encountered occasionally, but I treat them well if they are adequate (smiles)
Do you discuss your husband's game at home?
In my free time I like to attend various events, exhibitions, theaters and concerts, as well as meet with friends, I love karaoke
What do you do in life? Where do you study?
I do a lot of things in my life. I graduated from GITIS, as well as from the institute with a degree in IMAGELOGY. I am interested in fashion, I work on various projects as a stylist. This year I plan to enter the “faculty of art history” and open my own atelier, if everything works out)

Maybe I’ll be able to work as a stylist in a movie, but I don’t like to make guesses, and especially since it’s still unknown where my husband will continue his career
Where did you enjoy your vacation the most? And where are you planning to vacation this year?
We don’t have to work on vacation, so I liked every vacation, no matter where we were) especially since we have our own, interesting and friendly company, and each country has its own culture and its own flavor

Let's be alive, let's go to America, we haven't been there yet, there is interest in this big country)
How do you like Krasnodar? Did you immediately get used to the atmosphere, to the new place?
Krasnodar is a southern city and the people here are temperamental, but Kazan is closer to me, with its architecture and education of people, and there are many friends there, a lot of water, our wedding was there (smiles)

I’m not a picky person, and I get used to everything quickly, especially since, to be disingenuous, we are provided with good conditions, but we haven’t settled down here yet, and I think this is not “our” city by many criteria
Tell us about your most vivid memory related to your husband’s relationship or football career
A vivid memory is one of the first dates on which my husband’s friend asked me to wear Andrei’s jersey for a game that was in Rostov and said that he asked for it. I wore it and spent the whole game challenging the honor and dignity of the Siberia team. and Andrei in particular. Of course, I had a bit of a hard time there, but I was proud of myself, and Andrei was captivated by my courage (laughs)

“You’re not ready yet,” Alan Kasaev heard these words from Vlastimil Petrzhela after a control game with Shakhtar at one of the Zenit St. Petersburg training camps. Then Alan tore his “crosses”, and only recovered when Dick Advocaat arrived. Alan was not even taken with the team to the training camp, and he was forced to leave. Before this, Kasaev had no luck at Spartak, and the main achievement of this period was meeting his wife Marina.

After playing a season in “Alania”, he flew to “Kuban”, where he really lit it up for the first time. In 2008, he became the best player in the first division, scoring eight goals and pulling Kuban into the RFPL. Then there was Rubin. The Kazan club bought Kasaev for five million euros. In Kazan, Alan became the national champion, took part in the historic victory over Barça at Camp Nou, and even broke into the national team. But he never played for her.

This is the whole of Alan Kasaev - a controversial but important Russian football player. Throughout his career he was underestimated, but Kasaev overcame difficulties. The time has come to do this now.

Brazen dribbling

In “Kuban” Alan flew into the Russian media not only because of the goals he scored. Even as a first-division player, he was not shy about taking risks and winning. In Russian football, where players are trained according to established patterns, such impudence is rare. “I don’t understand, what’s so scary about this? I don’t play in my own penalty area. And I beat someone else’s team - and now it’s a dangerous moment. There are central midfielders to roll the ball. I need to boldly attack my opponent and break into zones. What is there to be afraid of? - Kasaev said in an interview with “Championship”.

Strength of will

Fans believe that excess weight prevents Kasaev from being maneuverable. Alan himself is working on himself, but not everything depends on him: “It’s about the constitution of my body, but I won’t explain this to every fan.” Kasaev goes on exhausting diets, doesn’t eat sweets at all, and runs out of energy during training. Willpower and the ability to endure are about him.

As a child, he once guarded Vladikavkaz as part of a special detachment. Having left for Moscow, at first I received only 1,500 rubles from Titan. Then he didn’t break down when he didn’t play in two top clubs and returned to his homeland. Managed to start playing cool again at Loko after an unsuccessful period at Dynamo.

Over the last calendar year, Kasaev did not play even ten matches, finally getting stuck in the Lokomotiv reserves. The club is doing too well to change anything in the lineup. “Akhmat” could become a new challenge in Alan’s career. We'll have to choose.

Good man

Kasaev is philosophical about many things. “If they call me to the national team, that’s great. No, it’s not fate,” he says, although, of course, he emphasizes that getting into national team is still his goal. Alan is a UFC fan and co-owns a restaurant in St. Petersburg run by his wife.

He does not invest money anywhere, but does charity work. “I’m not doing this for PR. There are three football schools in Ossetia - Yunost, Alania and Bars - I bring balls, boots and equipment to everyone. There are orphanages to which I regularly deliver things by car. I'm not doing this for PR. I don’t mind giving at least half a million, the main thing is that this money reaches the people who really need help,” explains Kasaev.

There is one illustrative case. Once Alan’s X6 was stolen, and then they offered to return it back for two million. “Keep it for yourself,” he replied. True, then the SUV ended up in his possession again. For Kasaev, expensive things are not important. The main thing is that everything in life is good.

He's not the only one

Ivan Saenko, Pavel Yakovlev, Sergey Parshivlyuk, Denis Kolodin, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Alan Dzagoev, Oleg Shatov - this list is almost endless. Some were more spectacular, some less, but they all had one thing in common - at some point they stopped developing and did not play where they were worthy of playing. Many of them are younger than Kasaev, and they still have a chance to begin to amaze the public again. Alan has it too. In Spain, for a long time, a similar player was Aritz Aduriz, who started playing after 30. Alan Kasaev is only 31 years old. He still has time to make himself known.

The wives of most participants in the Forbes ranking of Russia's richest businessmen avoid publicity. Their names appear in the press either in connection with high-profile divorces, as in the case of Elena Rybolovleva and Natalia Potanina, or - much less often - in connection with personal successes, as in the case of Irina Viner and Stella Kesaeva.

The most discussed event in the personal lives of billionaires last year was the second wedding of Vladimir Potanin. Tatler magazine spoke about the ceremony. According to the publication, the new leader Forbes rating married for the second time three months after divorcing his first wife, the mother of his three children, Natalia Potanina. Very little is known about the new wife of Russia’s richest businessman. According to rumors, she is 39 years old and was a subordinate of Potanin. Due to a lack of information, Ekaterina Potanina was not included in this list.

Irina Viner, wife of Alisher Usmanov

Husband: Alisher Usmanov, founder and main shareholder of USM Holdings, worth $14.4 billion (No. 3 in the ranking of the richest Russians according to Forbes).

What he does: Main coach Russian rhythmic gymnastics team, trained several Olympic champions, including Alina Kabaeva.

How we met: Irina Viner-Usmanova and Alisher Usmanov met in a gym in Tashkent, where she had been training since she was 11 years old rhythmic gymnastics, and he - fencing. They later met in Moscow, when Wiener was already working as a gymnastics coach, and Usmanov was a student at MGIMO. Soon they began to live together. Usmanov made a marriage proposal while sitting in prison, after he was sentenced to 8 years in prison in the so-called “cotton case” (In 1989, the court overturned Usmanov’s conviction, and in 2000, the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan recognized that the conviction 1980 is unfair. Thus, the billionaire was found innocent of the crimes charged to him and has no criminal record). From the conclusion, Usmanov sent Wiener a handkerchief, which, according to Uzbek custom, means a marriage proposal. They got married in 1992.

Children: Irina has a son, Anton Viner, but no children together.

“I think that a loved one, a favorite activity is happiness given from above. Therefore, you need, no matter what, not to give up or betray this happiness” (in an interview with Forbes Woman).

“The wife makes the husband. At the request of a woman, a man becomes the same person she imagined him to be. I always told Alisher: “You are a genius! You're great!" And he became like this, although he went through many trials” (in an interview with Hello! magazine).

Marina Dobrynina, wife of Viktor Vekselberg

Husband: Viktor Vekselberg, chairman of the board of the Renova group of companies, worth $14.2 billion (No. 4 in the ranking of the richest Russians according to Forbes).

What he does: heads the Dobry Vek charity support foundation (founded in 2002), which helps children and adults with mental disorders. The main work of the foundation is to support state and public organizations; the foundation oversees more than 100 projects for the rehabilitation of mental patients and helps create rehabilitation centers. The foundation holds a festival of creativity for people with mental disorders “Ariadne’s Thread”. Since 2008, together with the Nikita Mikhalkov Foundation, “Urga-Territory of Love” has been helping film veterans. Vekselberg also has his own charitable foundation, “Link of Times.”

How we met: Marina and Victor studied together at MIIT, met on a student trip, got married after graduating from university.

Children: daughter and son.

Lyudmila Lisina, wife of Vladimir Lisin

Husband: Vladimir Lisin, chairman of the board of directors of the Novolipetsk Iron and Steel Works, fortune $11.6 billion (No. 8 in the ranking of the richest Russians according to Forbes).

What she does: owner of the Seasons gallery on Sretensky Boulevard. “Seasons” is a chamber gallery where, as a rule, works from private collections closed to the general public are exhibited. Lyudmila collects Russian artists of the late 19th and 20th centuries. The hobby is already more than ten years old; the impetus for the collection was a painting by her favorite artist Petrov-Vodkin, a gift from her husband.

How we met: Lyudmila and Vladimir Lisin were classmates, sitting at the same desk.

Children: three sons

Quote: “I believe that a collector is constantly learning. I myself can call myself a novice collector and strive to constantly expand my knowledge about the authors that interest me” (in an interview with Forbes Woman).

Elena Timchenko, wife of Gennady Timchenko

Husband: Gennady Timchenko, member of the board of directors of OJSC Novatek, net worth $10.7 (No. 9 in the ranking of the richest Russians according to Forbes)

What she does: co-founder of the Elena and Gennady Timchenko charitable foundation. Elena Timchenko is a citizen of Finland. Several years ago, she was listed as the president of the Swiss foundation for socio-cultural orientation Foundation Neva, registered in 2008. Together with her husband, she was co-director of the Luxembourg companies Carring Finance S.A., Maples S.A. and Sogeco Holding S.A., and also owned with him on a parity basis the company Sogeco Perticipation S.a.r.l. In December 2012, Elena Timchenko and her daughter Ksenia Frank received the Order of Friendship for strengthening cooperation with Russia.

How we met: no information

Children: a son and two daughters, the youngest daughter is Ksenia Frank, the wife of Gleb Frank, the son of Sofcomflot CEO Sergei Frank.

Quote: “I can honestly say that I don’t use a computer. So Lena, my wife, took courses, mastered the Internet and now communicates with employees by e-mail. One and a half hundred letters arrive a day, and each one must be answered. This is the custom among educated people. Imagine how much they will send me! I don’t have time to correspond with the whole world” (Gennady Timchenko in an interview with TASS).

Alexandra Melnichenko, wife of Andrei Melnichenko

Husband: Andrey Melnichenko, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eurochem, worth $9.1 billion (No. 13 in the ranking of the richest Russians according to Forbes)

What she does: Alexandra Melnichenko, née Sandra Nikolic, is a former model and lead singer of the Belgrade band Models. Now he takes care of his family and enjoys fashion and design. Alexandra loves Moscow and plans to open a boutique restaurant in the city that will sell eco-products and eco-cosmetics.

How we met: with friends in the south of France in 2003. Then the businessman came to visit his friend, whose girlfriend invited Sandra for company. In 2005, Melnichenko and Nikolic had a luxurious wedding on the Cote d'Azur, which cost the groom $30 million. A copy of the ancient Russian chapel where they got married was built especially for the newlyweds. For three hundred guests, planes and a five-star hotel in Cannes were booked, in the rooms of which evening dresses and tuxedos for men were waiting for guests. Julio and Enrique Iglesias, Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera performed at the wedding. The famous French chef Alain Ducasse was in charge of the treats.

Quote: “The wife of a billionaire is a full-time job! Every day is a working day for me: I think about, plan and create the style and lifestyle that suits both of us. We have three houses in three countries - and every chair, every plate was chosen by me” (in an interview with Tatler magazine).

Elena Perminova, wife of Alexander Lebedev

Husband: Alexander Lebedev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Reserve Corporation, fortune $0.4 billion (No. 188 in the ranking of the richest Russians according to Forbes)

What she does: Alexander Lebedev’s common-law wife, model Elena Perminova, is 27 years younger than the billionaire. Perminova was born in the city of Berdsk, began working as a model early, and at the age of 16 she got a job in one of the capital's modeling agencies. Perminova still participates in fashion shows and shoots for glossy magazines. In 2011, the model replaced Dasha Zhukova at the main post of Pop magazine. Elena Perminova lives with her children in London.

How we met: According to one version, Elena’s father wrote to Lebedev, who at that time was a deputy working on a bill on witness protection. When Perminova was 17 years old, she was charged with drug distribution, which threatened her with a criminal sentence of up to 6 years in prison. The father asked the deputy to help his minor daughter get out of the situation. The billionaire not only saved Elena from criminal liability- she was sentenced to a suspended sentence - but in the end he started a family with her.

Children: three children together, two sons and a daughter

Quote: “I raise children purely intuitively. And Sasha, my husband, we completely agree on. We have our own view of life, and I try to raise my children according to this principle” (in an interview with the Daughters-Mothers website).

Dasha Zhukova, wife of Roman Abramovich

Husband: Roman Abramovich, private investor, fortune $12 billion (No. 12 in the ranking of the richest Russians according to Forbes)

What she does: founder of the Garage Center for Contemporary Art museum, was editor-in-chief of the fashion magazine Pop, heads Garage Magazine, one of the creators of the Kova & T clothing brand.

How we met: Before meeting Abramovich, Dasha dated Russian tennis player Marat Safin. Zhukova and Abramovich met in 2005 at a party in Barcelona, ​​at the Hilton Hotel, after the victory of the Chelsea football club, owned by a businessman, over Barcelona. Neither Zhukova nor Abramovich give interviews about their personal life together. Only in January 2015, Zhukova mentioned in a conversation with the editor of The Wall Street Journal that they got married a couple of years after they met, that is, about six years ago.

Children: Son Aaron Alexander (born in 2009) and daughter Leah (born in 2013). Roman Abramovich has 5 more children from a previous marriage.

“I can’t say if I’m a good cook. I don't cook at all. When I was in college, we made a lot of Mexican food: omelettes and simple appetizers. But I love to bake, I love making cookies, cupcakes and cakes.”

“For me, work is not just work, it is always pleasure” (in an interview with The Guardian).

Galina Tsvetkova, wife of Nikolai Tsvetkov

Husband: Nikolai Tsvetkov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of FC Uralsib, fortune $1.25 billion (No. 66 in the ranking of the richest Russians according to Forbes)

What she does: since 2002, owner and chairman of the board of directors of OJSC Imperial Porcelain Factory. owner of the Lomonosov porcelain factory. It was Tsvetkova who returned the historical name “Imperial” to the plant. In this position, she implemented several strategic projects related to the revival of Russian porcelain art. In 2012, the general meeting of shareholders elected a member of the board of directors of FC Uralsib.

How we met: When Galina and Nikolai met, he was a career military man. When Tsvetkov graduated from the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy, he was sent to serve in the Far East. Galina went through all the difficulties of garrison life with him, the family lived in dormitories, and during the business trip the Tsvetkovs had children.

Children: two daughters

“To be honest, when we decided at the family council that I would head the supervisory board of the IPP, I had no idea of ​​the degree of responsibility. Firstly, for the team - many have been working here for decades, this is their life... How to make redundancies? What to do with extremely unprofitable divisions? There are obligations to the city. In front of the country, in the end."

“For our family, this project is not only commercial. This is the history and pride of Russia.” (interview with Vedomosti newspaper).

Ella Yakobashvili, wife of David Yakobashvili

Husband: David Yakobashvili, private investor, net worth $0.95 (No. 102 in the ranking of the richest Russians according to Forbes).

What she does: Ella Yakobashvili is the niece of one of the founders of Wimm-Bill-Dann, Gavriil Yushvaev, lives in France.

How we met: In the 90s, Yakobashvili and his partners opened the Ginseng beauty salon and the Trinity company, where the businessman’s future wife came to work as a secretary. Ella and David got married in 1991.

Children: son

Quote: “All life is business. But what is a private life: eating, drinking, socializing and riding a motorcycle? Why divide it somehow, everything is too interconnected” (David Yakobashvili in an interview with Posta Magazine).

“My wife is in France. Whenever possible, I fly to her on weekends. I love being on the road. Besides, I have my own real estate business in Europe... I don’t feel lonely. We are talking. Now there are many electronic devices for this. Over these twenty years I have already gotten used to it. My whole life is in the office. I come home literally for a few hours - to sleep. I get up and go back to work. Work is the most important thing in my life” (David Yakobashvili in an interview with Itogi magazine).

Stella Kesaeva, wife of Igor Kesaev

Husband: Igor Kesaev 34, owner of the Mercury group of companies, fortune $3 billion (No. 34 in the ranking of the richest Russians according to Forbes)

What he does: Contemporary art collector, philanthropist, publisher. Founder of the Stella Art Foundation, commissioner of the Russian pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale. Owns the largest collection of Western and Russian artists in Russia, which includes 1,500 works. Stella’s husband helps finance the gallery. In 2004, Kesaeva organized the first exhibition of Ilya and Emilia Kabakov in Russia - “An Incident in a Museum and Other Installations” in the Hermitage.

Children: three children

Quote: “I grew up in the North, where my father worked as a geologist - there was no art there, only stones and the northern lights. During the holidays I went to Moscow and Leningrad, stood in lines at film festivals. And after getting married and moving to Moscow, there was absolutely nothing to do: children, housekeeping, no money, and it was unclear how to live further. In the early 1990s, we moved abroad, and I began visiting museums in New York and Geneva. Contemporary artists have become a real discovery for me. In general, what is more interesting to me is what cannot be explained, then the brain begins to work” (in an interview with “Dog” magazine).

“I am constantly adding to my collection, I love it, and I know that my children will be very happy to inherit these works. In 30 years they will probably go down in history” (in an interview with Forbes).

TALK ON FRIDAYS

If all football players were like this - relaxed, smart, elegantly presenting... Yes, we would go to the heroes of today even more often than to cheerful old men with their memories diluted with fantasies.

But there are few people like Alan Kasaev. It's a pity.

* * *

- You recently had twins. Our congratulations.

I'm happy! Children are the brightest thing in life. Already in the third month they knew that there would be two girls - the names were ready, Amelie and Miroslava. But we almost got the timing wrong...

- When did you expect it?

- The names are interesting.

Marina and I spent a long time choosing, we read everything on this topic. We acted responsibly!

- Did your parents approve?

They probably wanted Ossetian names. We decided in our own way. After all, our children. But for me, my father and mother are the main authorities. I usually listen.

- It doesn't look like your nose was broken in August. No traces.

So there was no fracture.

- How was it not? Cherevchenko spoke!

There was a shift. If you look from the side, you can see it. I'll take care of this issue on vacation. They'll straighten it out. When you turn over in your sleep at night, your breathing changes.

- You got it by scoring a goal against Krasnodar. Who threw a boot in the face?

My friend, Vitaly Kaleshin. We laughed some more. At least there was no laughing matter on the field. The impact caused a little movement. I was already thinking about changing.

- But we played for half an hour.

On the moral and strong-willed. My head hurt a lot after the match. He flew to his parents in Vladikavkaz. I woke up in the morning with bruises under my eyes! Of course, everyone thought it was a turning point.

2015 Alan KASAEV scores the winning goal and gets a broken nose. Photo by Alexey IVANOV, "SE"

- What was the worst blow to your legs in your life?

About four years ago, when I was playing for Rubin against Dynamo in Moscow, Wilkshire tore my boot.

- Boots?!

Well, yes. The last minute, we were leading 2:0, the game was ours. Suddenly he jumped with both legs and cut him with his thorns. If he had hit me not casually, but directly, he would have spun his entire leg.

- Did they answer?

They even got along with Wilkshire. The judge did not give a red card, although this is a 100% removal! It is clear that referees make mistakes. But if the point is obvious, why not delete it? It will still happen again! And I left the boot in the locker room - look...

- Did Wilkshire apologize?

Soon I moved to Dynamo. I reminded him of that match and we laughed too. Everyone knows Luke as a fighter, he was bursting with emotions. But you need to be able to lose!

-You didn’t tear anyone’s boots?

What are you talking about?! I will never hit you from behind on purpose. The only episode is with Terek. I accidentally stepped on Oleg Ivanov’s Achilles. He himself felt how much pain he was in.

- Which of the defenders did you suffer the most?

With Anyukov. Unpleasant, does not allow you to turn around. He studied me very well. But in Lately did not intersect.

- It’s logical - the right flank at Zenit was staked out by Smolnikov.

In terms of playing style, Anyukov is one to one! In four years of working with Berdyev, we have sorted out the entire championship from “a” to “z”. I can easily name the disadvantages of any Russian defender. Almost everyone reacts to the first movement. You have to take it sharply.

- Are there many dirty defenders in our league?

There is no competition here between two supporting midfielders - Wernbloom and Javi Garcia. Provocateurs! Here we are playing with Zenit. Either Garcia hits Maicon in the face with his hand, then he steps on Tarasov’s foot. Deliberately! Isn't this red? I would like to ask: “Why do you break the game with provocations?!” Or Hulk...

- What?

He waves his arms at every referee's whistle. For this, a Russian football player is either put on a card or sent off. For some reason the Hulk is spared. Judge the same! In the Champions League he doesn’t allow himself to do this. Because they will kick you out immediately. And in Russia they forgive him everything.

- Judge Baskakov told us how outraged he was by Sharonov’s eternal grumbling...

Roma is like that, I know. Emotional, he choked the judges.

- So a respected referee once elbowed him in the stomach while running. Have you ever seen anything like this?

No. I'll tell you something else: remember our match with CSKA in Khimki? Two ridiculous "points". The first one is at the 15th minute. I run up to the judge: “Why are you doing this? Just let me play football!”

- And Karasev?

- "No, it's all!" I can't wrap my head around it. Are you reviewing your game and noticing gross mistakes? Your colleagues give you a bad grade. Or “one” - I don’t know what grades they have there. You go out to the next match and admit the same thing. Absurd!

- Did Karasev already understand that he was wrong?

Certainly. So he gave the return penalty. Or we accept Rostov. We score a clean goal - it doesn't count. If we had led 1:0, it would have been a completely different situation! The result is 0:2. What if these points are not enough for us to win medals?

- We will not name the worst judge in Russia. It will hurt you. Let's name the best.

Problem... I have a good relationship with Lapochkin. With Bezborodov. True, he had such matches that he didn’t want to say hello. Karasev sometimes judges well. And the next game - again... There is now a young referee - so impulsive, ha. You yell at him, he yells at you!

- With mother?

Without. But harshly: “Don’t put pressure on me!”

- We sorted it out with the referees. Footballer of the year?

Dzyuba scores in every match in the fall.

- I practically didn’t play for the first six months.

It's right. Hulk?

- It’s strange that they thought about it. It seems to us that in Russia there is a Hulk - and everyone else.

Yes, Hulk is number one. I also like Musa. Even more than Doumbia.

- Why?

Musa is not greedy. If the partner is in an advantageous position, he will give. Doumbya always hits himself. An egoist - like many center forwards.

Alan KASAEV and HULK. Photo Vyacheslav EVDOKIMOV, FC Zenit

- What is your most memorable unscored goal?

First season in Alanya. We burn "Baltika" 0:1, 90th minute, penalty. I'm beating - the goalkeeper is dragging!

- It's a shame.

Since then I haven’t approached the “point”. This is a special science. I remember how Demetradze performed it - the goalkeeper jumped into one corner, the ball rolled into the other. I can not do that. Although Berdyev forced both penalties and free throws to be practiced. He told me at what height to send the ball. I asked Guilherme: is Bekic right? Should you hit it so that it spreads along the ground? Exactly!

* * *

- Legendary goalkeeper Dominik Hasek shared a secret: “The better I feel in the morning, the worse I will play in the evening.” Don't you have such patterns?

Eat!

- How interesting.

If I fly across the field on the eve of a match, I won’t look good in the game. If the pre-game is “dry”, on the contrary, tomorrow I will “run”.

- Reason?

I thought about this a lot. I remembered what I ate the day before the game. An explanation has been found.

- AND?

I was constantly losing weight. It had an effect. Now I understand that you shouldn’t infringe on yourself in any way a day or two before the match. Overeating is also harmful, but the body needs to get as much as it needs to burn in the game.

-Are you changing anything now?

I can afford to eat after the match. And the next day. Of course, there will be no cake or sweets on the table, that’s out of the question...

- And on vacation?

Indifferent to sweets. All carbohydrates - and I'm inclined to gain weight. There was a case in Alanya. I suggested to Misha Bakaev: we take identical pieces of meat and eat them. You are a tomato and I am a tomato. Then onto the scales.

- What did they show?

He gained a kilogram, I gained two. Misha was amazed. I've been losing these pounds my whole life!

- You don't touch the cakes. What about Ossetian pies?

In the season - no. Pies in Ossetia and Moscow are different planets. Mom and dad visit once every five months - they bring real ones. Then I eat.

- Goalkeeper Zaur Khapov, weighing 110 kg, gave a great match against Borussia Dortmund. After that, Gazzaev did not start a conversation with him on the topic of extra pounds.

I have the same thing with Berdyev! You saw me racing. In the 30-degree heat, I put on a sweater and a lap dog. He is horrified: “Take it off! You will fall and die here!” In general, with such a load, only water is lost. You dry out - hence muscle injuries. At some point, Bekic waved his hand: “Leave him, that’s it. He plays and plays…”

Alan KASAEV and Kurban BERDIYEV. Photo by Alexander FEDOROV, "SE"

- This is right?

For me - yes. The coach, of course, wants me to be at an ideal weight. He understands that I can drive it away. At least in a day - like in Dynamo. Then Cherchesov, the new doctor, came - I needed to lose five and a half kilograms.

- Managed?

Dropped five. I stepped on the scales and fixed it. Then he walked around like a zombie. The next day I regained those kilograms. So it wasn’t my weight!

- You once mentioned that at Lokomotiv a minute late costs five thousand rubles. What about the extra kilo?

There are no fines for being overweight. Yes, and about the five thousand, I softened it. More. I decided not to traumatize people with numbers. So Cherevchenko “stuffed it up” to me: “What kind of fiction about five thousand?” As a team member, I look after the penalty box. Missing a workout without a good reason costs several thousand euros.

- In Spartak during Karpin’s time, one hundred grams of excess weight cost one hundred dollars.

This is already beyond the bounds. Well, you will dry up the football players. Will they start playing better? We discussed this topic with Glushakov and Shishkin. He asked: “Do you think Karpin would kick me out on the second day?”

The same Berdyev gave a certain program for vacation. When they returned, he allowed three extra pounds. He warned: “You have a week.”

- Humanely.

No one was forced to jump up and run to the scales in the morning. And in a week you’ll get into it - with training twice a day.

- Record weight that you lost?

On vacation - ten kilos in ten days. I know a lot of boxers and mixed martial arts fighters. Khabib Nurmagomedov lifted 22 kilograms before his last fight! True, it was torn.

- Twenty-two is crazy.

My closest friend Misha Malyutin turns 74 kilograms into 61. After weighing himself, he gains ten in a day. I ask: “How?” - "Due to protein and water."

- What is the most exciting fight you have attended?

Ruslan Provodnikov - Jose Castillo in Luzhniki. Ruslan is a tough boxer. Spectacular, chops, everything for the fans... The fight with Timothy Bradley was a turning point for him. Should have won, I knocked him down three times. Gennady Golovkin competes for Kazakhstan. Superman! It’s a pity that Khabib’s fight in America was canceled due to injury. When Fight Nights was in Moscow, I was introduced to Melvin Manhof, Mike Zambidis, and other K-1 stars. Melvin is amazing at fighting.

- Is it being chopped too?

Yes. Now I saw him live and took a photo. And with Ben Henderson.

- Was he the one who beat Fedor Emelianenko?

No, his name was Dan Henderson. Misha introduced me to this company: “My friend, a football player...”

- The word “Lokomotiv” hardly meant anything to them?

Well, of course... Do you know Fabricio Werdum?

- He definitely dealt with Fedor.

Yes. In October, Werdum signed a contract with the Akhmat club from Grozny. And Malyutin fights for this club, they work in the same hall. He approaches Werdum: “Can you send my friend a video message?” I was stunned! “Hi, Alan. I am the UFC champion...” Some wishes. I dream of seeing him live. UFC is like the Champions League!

- Have you talked to Emelianenko Sr.?

It didn't happen. Soon Fedor will fight in Moscow, I’ll definitely go. And on December 12 - on Roy Jones.

- We met Fedor about seven years ago. I arrived on the Tula train in some kind of zipun and a hat that reached my eyes. Nobody recognized him, we sat and talked at the Kursk station...

In Japan and America, the fees for fights are crazy. And we have? By beating themselves off during training, the guys receive money, which is not enough for treatment. If a guy gets a job as a security guard, he will earn twice as much. I'm not kidding, these are real numbers.

- Have you ever found wrestling and boxing useful on the street?

Anything could happen in my youth. I’m not cocky, but if you give me any slack, they’ll eat you right away. From the latter - the story in Krasnodar, when I played for Kuban. A drunken group joined me; I had two friends with me. They waved a little.

- Do you understand who you are?

Then - yes. Or maybe they knew that the football player was deliberately provoked. As you get older, you try to avoid street conflicts. Why look for adventure, take risks over nonsense? Unless, of course, they catch their loved ones.

- Where were you at that second when a fan hit Garnet at Petrovsky?

I was warming up and found myself near the fans. As soon as the game was stopped, he rushed under the stands. They had already climbed over and were standing outside the gate...

- Creepy feeling?

Extremely unpleasant: you turn around and a crowd is rushing towards you. They will trample and not notice.

- What to do in such a situation?

Scoot! What else? I ask Grenade: “Why did you hesitate?” - “I thought he was scaring me...” Ha!

- Poor Garnet.

Thank God, I accidentally hit him. The man was wearing gloves. Who knows what's in the hand? What if I planted him with brass knuckles?

- If you were in Garnet’s place, would you answer this citizen?

Where to answer?! Here it is not necessary to show your “I”, but to run, and quickly. Granya didn’t get his bearings. Dzsudzsak showed speed qualities. Jumped over barriers. He never ran across the field like that!

* * *

- You were not in Krasnodar, where Lokomotiv conceded six goals from Kuban. Do you know what was going on in the locker room? Cherevchenko was raging?

I called the guys after the game. They said: Gennadyich didn’t “shove”, he supported. Like, there are such matches, you need to swallow it and prepare for the next one... Everything went wrong for “Kuban” that evening!

Igor CHEREVCHENKO and Alan KASAEV. Photo by Alexey IVANOV, "SE"

- Why did the team stall under Bozovic?

We had a good run in the fall with Miodrag. But after the winter break everything went wrong. Gennadyich took this into account. The training process has become tougher, the loads at the training camp have increased.

- How did Bozovic leave?

I arrived in Bakovka and said goodbye to everyone. There were no tears, but they could see how hard it was for him. Yes, we were very worried. The guy is cool. He did everything for us. And we didn't do anything for him.

- Which of your coaches could not hold back his tears when leaving the team?

Petrescu's assistant at Dynamo is Patrick Lazarescu. By the way, both he and Emil Karas congratulated by text message on the birth of their daughters. I was touched, I didn't expect it.

- Bozovic is humorous.

You won't get bored with him. At the first meeting, he said to Sheshukov: “Bob, Moscow, Rostov, Lokomotiv... Wherever I go, you are everywhere! If they call Real Madrid, will you come with me?” Then he turned to me. He narrowed his eyes: “Kasaev, you look at me the way I look at you. When you scored against my Rostov team.”

Bozovic has a remarkable trait - he never calls black white. Knows how to lose. And some coaches are annoying. The team was eliminated with one wicket, but in interviews they say that they were unlucky, they had a bunch of chances. Who is being screwed over?

- Kuchuk invited you to Lokomotiv. They say about him: “Gloomy, incredibly energy-consuming...”

It's not easy with him. Strict. The training is emotional, intense, almost without pauses. At the training camp, at first you rejoice: “How quickly I got into shape!” But soon such fatigue sets in that you can barely move your legs. Before signing the contract, I met with Kuchuk. First of all, he said: “Alan, I know all your strengths and weaknesses...”

- Did you voice it?

Accurately! I was surprised. Kuchuk continued: “You have some work to do, but I think we’ll get along. Hands down?” - “We agreed. I’ll try not to let you down.”

- Kuchuk is obsessed with tactics. Did you discover anything new after Berdyev’s lessons?

This is impossible. Wherever I play, Berdyev’s school is number one for me. He spent hours on theory. Since then, sit for 20-30 minutes at the layout - seeds. When Bekiic decided to rebuild Rubin's game, there were two theories a day! At nine in the morning and after dinner.

- How did you present the change of course?

- “Guys, we’ll play a different kind of football. According to the Barcelona principle. Let’s try while we have time at the training camp...”

- “Barcelona” did not come out of “Rubin”. Berdyev returned to the old scheme.

In order to play like Barça, we need appropriate footballers. But it was a useful experience, we learned a lot. In theory, Bekic called for active participation in discussions: “Don’t be silent! It’s important for me to hear everyone’s opinion!” He almost led me by the hand on the field for forty minutes at a time. He throws the ball and shows who should be at what point.

- Has it ever happened that during a theory session someone unexpectedly raised their voice and the people laughed?

Ryzhikov knew how to defuse the situation. Goalkeepers have a separate job, their own coach - Kafanov. But you can’t evade the theory; they languished along with the field workers. Periodically, Berdyev asked: “Seryozha, do you have anything?” Ryzhik, fearing that he would be drawn into a sophisticated discussion, answered with meaning: “No, no, everything suits me!”

Sharonov and Kaleshin loved to speculate out loud on theories. They took the rap for everyone. Let’s say Kalekha says: “Bekiich, this is not how you should play here.” - "Why?" - “If I move here, Sharon won’t have time to provide insurance, there will be a free zone...” Berdyev agreed with some things, and not with others.

- Did you throw the TV remote control in anger?

Yes, that happened once. Pointed out to the player a tactical error. He got wound up: “I chewed it all out for you!” He blurted out something out of place, word for word. Bekic held the remote control in his hand. He swung it and hit the wall.

- To pieces?

Naturally. He exhaled and continued the theory. He kicked the team out from pre-game training.

- For what?

So that you understand, Berdyev has every lesson clearly scheduled. You can’t train fully, pass on your heels. And then someone’s ball bounced, someone shot the wrong way. He shouted: “Get off the field! You are not ready for work!”

Kurban BERDIEV, in front of Alan KASAEV's eyes, instills fear in Alexander EGOROV. Photo by Alexander FEDOROV, "SE"

- Before Barcelona, ​​did Berdyev bother you with viewings?

No. I limited myself to the standard theory. What's the point of overextending yourself if you're going to a team that beat Real Madrid 5-0 the day before? That Barcelona is the best in history. Messi, Ibrahimovic, Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Puyol... In the pre-game, Berdyev was laconic: “Millions of people dream of just visiting the Nou Camp. And tomorrow you will go to the Champions League match. Play as best you can, don’t be afraid of anything.”

On the day of the match, at lunch, Semak asked: “Ryzhik, have you taped your knees?” - "For what?" - “So that we don’t shake...” And the “Rubin” operator promised to cut his hair bald if we play at least in a draw.

- Who shaved him?

Myself. Right at the Nou Camp in the locker room with a typewriter - whack-whack! The door opened, Berdyev flew in: “What are you guys doing?! Rejoice!” But I have no strength. There is emptiness and fatigue inside.

- When did you believe in victory?

With the final whistle. It’s very difficult to sit on defense for 90 minutes. “Barcelona” rolls the ball, and you collapse in tackles. Constantly on the move, endless lane changes. If even one hesitates and does not run after his own, a zone will appear and they will immediately punish.

- Did you save Berdyev’s dance in the champion’s locker room on your phone?

No. He is already before my eyes. Nobody expected such emotions from Bekiic.

- The confusion began when Andrei Gromov was appointed general director of Rubin?

Yes. Berdyev raised football in the republic from scratch, took the club from the first league to champions. Suddenly a young manager comes and tries to “build” the head coach... Who will like it?

- Will Berdyev return to Rubin?

It seems to me that he himself no longer wants to. It's cooled down. In Kazan they parted with him ugly, they didn’t even say goodbye. Bekic didn't deserve this.

- Is your departure to Dynamo connected with the confrontation between Berdyev and Gromov?

No. The guys whom Berdyev invited to Rubin continued to resolve issues directly through him. Our conversation was short. "Bekiich, I've been here for four years. I'll change the situation." - “Welcome. Kazan is your home, we are always waiting! Thank you!”

* * *

- The debut for Dynamo turned out to be fun.

In Khimki - with Volga. Petrescu was disqualified - by the time he went up to the box, we were already burning 0:2. By the third minute! So, I think I’ve come for you. So I changed the situation for you. I was told that Petrescu looked at the scoreboard: “What is this?” - “We’re losing.” - "How?!" But by half-time they were level, and I scored one. Finished 2:2.

- Could Petrescu have yelled?

And how. But I was ready for this.

- Is nervousness being transmitted to the team?

For young people - maybe. At my age - no. Well, he yells - so what?

- Later you said: “If Cherchesov had not replaced Petrescu, I would not have even thought about Dynamo’s offer.”

Lease contract, right of purchase from Dynamo. But if the coach who pushed you remains, why sign anything? I played eight matches, and not bad. Suddenly - hop, they remove it without explanation.

- It happens?

One day Petrescu came up: “You’re tired, I’ll give you a break.” I'm not 15 years old, I understand everything! Say it straight: “Alan, you won’t play with me anymore.”

- Is there an answer - why?

For yourself - there is. In short: Petrescu relied on new players. Why is another question.

- Did you talk to him?

Once I was standing with Garik Denisov. Petrescu passes by: “Well, was it better at Rubin?” I seethe: “Yes!” The next morning I hear again: “Was Berdyev better?” - "Better!"

- Petrescu's reaction?

And it doesn’t matter to me anymore. I decided everything for myself. I have a good relationship with Gazzaev, I dialed him: “Valery Georgievich, this is the situation. You are in contact with the Dynamo management. Do they need me or not? Let them tell you! What should I do?”

- What could you do?

Yes, at least return to Rubin. The contract was valid until 2015.

- Gazzaev found out?

He called back: “Alan, one hundred percent - they are extending your contract for three years...” I don’t know which of the managers he talked to. I waited and waited - and nothing. Here is Lokomotiv's offer. I understood what the professionalism of the club is. Two days - that's all!

- Adzhoev said: “We offered Kasaev a two-year contract, he preferred Lokomotiv.”

Well, let there be this version.

- And in fact?

Understand me too - initially there was talk about a contract for three years. Then one thing appears, a second, a fifth... My head was spinning!

- “Dynamo” turned on in the literal and figurative sense.

Exactly. Don't think that you ran for money. At Lokomotiv I get as much as Dynamo gave. I’m happy with everything, I’m ready to play in this club for the rest of my career. In the first year we won the cup, made the national team, and are now at the top of the table. What about Dynamo? Another revolution.

- Slutsky invited you to the national team. What did you say at the meeting?

There was no detailed conversation. I was called in to replace the injured Faizulin. I understood: since they weren’t included in the main list, the chances of entering the field are minimal.

- What do you need to improve in order to go to Euro 2016?

Yes in everything! This is especially true when playing on defense. Of course, I want to gain a foothold in the national team. But you can't jump over your head. At 29 years old, you take this philosophically. If they call you - great. No - not fate.

* * *

- How did the legionnaires who played in Europe perceive Berdyev’s tactical lessons?

Fine. Take Bocchetti. I came from Serie A, but didn’t know much. Thanks to Berdyev, he grew into a great defender. Today, Spartak's defense rests on it. Take Salvo away and everything will collapse. And Cesar Navas? A key figure in Rostov's defense. Yes, he’s getting older, the speed isn’t the same, but he reads the game like “Sport Express”! As soon as you move to the side, Navas is already there.

All foreigners who came to Kazan were ready to study. The exception is Gokhan Tere. A strong football player, but in Turkey he is used to attacking football and does not like to play defensively. I didn't want to change.

- Unlike Gekdeniz?

In terms of mentality, he and Toure are heaven and earth. Huck is a plowman! At 35 he rushes from flag to flag! We are family friends. I visited him a couple of times.

- In the Stambul?

Yes. I saw how the fans treated Gekdeniz. The whole of Istanbul carries him in his arms. Although I never played in this city, before Rubin I played for Trabzonspor.

- Lives in a palace like a sultan?

You can say that. Luxurious house on the seashore. Huck is doing well.

- What language do you speak?

In a mixture of English and Russian.

- You hired an English tutor. How is it going?

No way. It is difficult to learn if you are not completely immersed in the language environment. I kindly envy Cheban and Eremenko. Ilyukha knows six languages, Roma - five. And the former translator of "Alania" Murat Sasiev - seven!

- What are these?

Russian, English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian. I ask: “Murik, how?!” He shrugs: “I turned on the cassettes at home and listened…” Now he is with Chebanu in “Mordovia”. Two polyglots met.

- You have seen different legionnaires. Funniest?

Ansaldi. After the victory, he could roll naked on his stomach on the tiled floor in the shower. Sibaya is also cool, he mastered Russian. Once the payments were delayed, he asked: “Bekiich, when is the bonus?” - “Don’t worry, Shiba, everything will be soon.” On the same day, she turns to him during the debriefing: “Siba, why didn’t you run to this zone?” Silence. Berdyev repeats the question. Sibaya coldly: “I’don’t understand...”

In “Alania” there was a Brazilian who ran in circles for six months - one thing hurts, then another. We go out for training, he hobbles in the distance. Arthur Pagaev says: “Yes, they brought a super forward. From Brazil.” - "Where? Who?" - “Yes, look. The last name is Kaifanu...” We peer into the silhouette and understand what kind of “Kaifanu” is.

- So you didn’t play?

Yes, he played. But it was of little use even to healthy people.

- Where is Dzhambulad Bazaev?

In Vladikavkaz, the director of the Yunost school.

- In 2007, he was expelled from Rubin and accused of involvement in the death of Lenar Gilmullin...

I wasn't on the team then. As far as I know, Jabo had nothing to do with it. I was just the last person to see him alive. Some guy on a motorcycle offered Gilmullin a ride. The main complaint against Bazaev is that he didn’t intervene, didn’t stop. But what could he do if he sat down and drove off?

I spoke on this topic with Samarenkin when he became president of Rubin. He is also surprised: “Where does such anger towards Bazaev come from? Why did they make him the extreme one? As if he was driving...”

* * *

- Do you know that before Rubin, Lokomotiv claimed you? The president of the club, Naumov, wanted to invite him, but Rakhimov was adamant: “Why do I need this bull? I love tall people with wide strides...”

In “Kuban” I heard about the interest of “Lokomotiv”, but at the level of rumors. And when I met Berdyev, other options disappeared. I don't regret choosing Ruby. Four years with such a coach is an invaluable training.

- Naumov assured you that you were inexpensive. How much did Rubin pay for you?

About five million dollars.

Alan KASAEV and ex-captain of Spartak ALEX. Photo by Alexey IVANOV, "SE"

- In 2004, you spent a couple of months in the Spartak double team, coached by Ilya Tsymbalar. How do you remember it?

Bright man. Kind, gentle, never raised his voice. And what a technique! Sometimes, with his assistant Miroslav Romashchenko, he participated in “squares”. It was impossible to take the ball away from them. After training we practiced shots from the penalty line. Both Tsymbalar and Romashchenko scored nine out of ten with their left feet!

- Why didn’t you stay at Spartak?

Tsymbalar wanted me to stay. But the power in the club changed, Chervichenko left, Pervak ​​came... Probably, there was no time for me.

- Was Andrei Chernyshov your agent then?

Unofficially. The license was held by a man named Kultaev - trustee Chernyshova. When I coached the youth team, I offered cooperation to many guys. Me included.

- Did you agree in vain?

I quickly became disillusioned with these people. Promises were not kept. They love to “trick the ears” of young people. In Russia, even today, every second agent is a scoundrel. I communicate with some agents, but I haven’t signed any papers with anyone.

- What is the most unusual gathering in your career?

At Zenit under Petrzel. I brought it to a mountain resort in France and put it on skis. I've never ridden! Wow, I think I got it! Maresh, Gorak and Shirl immediately rushed off. And we crawled like turtles for ten kilometers.

- Who are we"?

Shava, Kerzh, Bystry, Garik... Petrzhela alternated loads. In the morning - skiing, in the afternoon - cross-country. They cursed everyone, but after his training camp the team ran like that! If Petrzhela had the financial capabilities, like Advocaat and Spalletti, he would also make Zenit a champion.

- What was missing for you to play there?

Health. I tore my crosses twice, missed a season and a half... In difficult moments, Sasha Spivak encouraged me: “Alan, don’t be angry, continue to work calmly. A year or two - and you’ll be in the first team.”

- Which of the young people at that Zenit was considered a genius?

I remember the four from the Sportakademklub - Maksimov, Burakov, Korotkov, Stroev. I came later. The St. Petersburg guys said about them: “Sarsania brought top players!” Maksimov is now at Anzhi, the rest have not opened up. And Garik talked about a guy who studied at school with Kerzh: “Kasai, this is a phenomenon! I’ve never seen a more talented football player!”

- Surname?

It slipped my mind. He did not stay at Zenit for long. During training, either Lepekhin or one of the “old guys” rolled up, fractured, and ended. Among my peers in the youth team, forwards Vanya Shpakov from “Wings” and Zhora Gurtskaya from the Dynamo reserve team stood out. What were you doing with the ball? I had no doubt - two stars were growing. But Kombariki was absolutely not quoted.

- Why?

No offense, but when I saw them for the first time, I thought: there’s nothing good about this. Thin, small... Or did I seem big since childhood? The brothers made it through character and hard work. And at Dynamo I was amazed by Kokorin.

- How?

It's one thing to watch him in action. Another thing is to face each other every day in training. Here you understand that Kokora has fantastic potential. Light, technical, fast, with a punch. No weak points at all! Honestly, I thought he was “flying”, “resting”... No!

- Really?

Half an hour before entering the field, Kokora is always in the gym. He goes there after training. At the same time, you can’t shake the feeling that you’re giving it fifty percent. If he turns on all the levers, he will play in any team in the world!

* * *

- Why don’t you advertise that you are doing charity?

I'm not trying for PR. Marina knows, friends. It's enough.

- It's not about PR. Important by example h amaze others.

There are three football schools in Ossetia - “Yunost”, “Alania” and “Bars”. I bring balls, boots, and equipment for everyone. There are orphanages to which I regularly deliver things by car. One of them suddenly had a problem.

Dmitry TARASOV and Alan KASAEV. Photo by Nikita USPENSKY, "SE"

- Which?

The director calls: “Alan, maybe with money?” Such requests are alarming. Before you pay the bill for treatment, you should take the time to find out that they are not scammers. They have a lot of schemes. I don’t mind giving a hundred thousand, two hundred, three hundred, half a million. But they must reach the people who really need help. I remember that at Rubin, on the initiative of Orekhova and Noboa’s wives, they raised more than a million dollars for the boy’s treatment in Germany. It is advisable to send money to charity in a targeted manner. To a specific person, without contacting funds. Or go to the clinic to see seriously ill children and deposit some money into their account. For chemotherapy courses, for example.

- Once upon a time, Sergei Ignashevich came to Evgeniy Giner for advice on a business project. Who do you consult with?

I have friends who are fine with their business; they don’t need anything from me. Plus the wife is wise, with business acumen. Would you know how many proposals are pouring in: “Let’s invest, let’s do this...”

- Break off something from your income.

Well, yes. Some kind of divorce. Sometimes someone offered to buy real estate. Friends convinced me not to. It turned out it was true. In that place there are either problems with the land or with the property. I weigh every step.

- Many football players invested in apartments. Then they gave it up.

Me too. But it's time to end this.

- Why?

Unprofitable! How more apartments- the higher the tax. It is more profitable to sell them, buy commercial premises and rent them out to the bank. Sign a long-term contract.

- How old is your restaurant?

Four years. He's in St. Petersburg. Once upon a time I met Marina in this city. The wife runs the restaurant. I don’t get involved in these questions. There is a manager, Marina trusts him. Although I understand - if you don’t live nearby, then... They steal!

- How to fight?

No way.

- Someone is installing hidden cameras.

No, that's nonsense. Marina turns a blind eye to some losses.

-Are you in the black?

We broke even quickly, but this is the season... St. Petersburg and Moscow have different income levels. Only top restaurants in the center are definitely profitable. Our on Vasilyevsky Island, near the stadium. From the very beginning, the emphasis was on the middle class.

- You don’t have an apartment in Moscow?

I recently bought it not far from the base, in a country village. It takes ten minutes to get to training, it’s a closed area, there’s a lake and a forest nearby. Everything for the kids, that was the main thing for us.

- Perhaps the most expensive destination in the Moscow region.

Yes. I took out a loan, there’s no escape... It’s better not to pay someone for rented apartment, but for yours.

Alan KASAEV, Leonid SLUTSKY and Roman SHIROKOV. Photo by Alexey IVANOV, "SE"

- Marina once helped you celebrate your birthday with a banner in front of the Kuban base.

Only I didn’t notice him, I was in a hurry to get to training. Marina calls: “What, did you miss it?” - "What are you talking about?" I came back and looked at this billboard. It was so nice!

- Do you remember the inscription?

- "Happy birthday, darling. Yours, Marina." And everyone on the team saw it right away. They were shocked. But this happens to me. If something happens, I'll be the last to know.

- For example?

In St. Petersburg, my car was stolen from the entrance. The camera showed that a man got into a BMW X6, started it and drove off. Two seconds. My wife couldn't reach me by phone. And I was sitting with Kaleshin, and he dialed: “Tell Alan that the car is missing.” He says something, I don’t really understand, I call Marina back: “Can you imagine, Kalekha’s car was stolen.” - “Fool! Not Kaleshin’s, but yours!” Haha...

- They found her?

Yeah. There, standing at the threshold. They couldn't have found it better.

- Why?

They would pay the insurance money - that's all. Found somewhere already with Lithuanian license plates. A friend came to inspect it - intact, not a scratch. Apparently, the thieves started it with the key. I arrive a day later - the car is dismantled!

- ???

The casing was torn and the larva was carefully pulled out. I say: “What are you doing? She was normal yesterday!” - "No!" It took six months for repairs.

- Did the police try?

Then who? Probably to demonstrate - this is what the theft was like. I don’t know what they write in the protocols. And you can't prove anything.

- Is what you found a miracle?

- “Found”... The next morning the hijackers themselves called! “Give me two million rubles - and the car is yours again.” I answer: “Keep it for yourself...” They steal it and ask for ransom. What if you are not insured? If you don’t give it, he will go to the side.

- There was no desire to get rid of her - as if she were “unfortunate”?

The car is great. I travel with pleasure. Before that, I gave the X6 to my wife. I was in Kazan preparing for the game, and Marina had a birthday, she was in St. Petersburg. I asked a friend to invite her to a restaurant. The car was driven to the door, wearing bows. Marina was given the keys - she came out and burst into tears.

- Some of my friends did beautiful gifts wives?

I assume that Dima Tarasov. A man with imagination.

- What else did Marina surprise you with?

In my St. Petersburg apartment there hangs a huge photograph that I ordered for my birthday. It seems ordinary. You come closer and see that it is assembled like a mosaic from my own little cards. All football life, starting with Zenit. So great!

Marina Denisova, the wife of Lokomotiv midfielder Alan Kasaev, summed up the results of the ending calendar year in an interview with the club website. She noted the special atmosphere that reigns in the team not only during matches and training.

Of course, the main event this year for our family is the birth of our daughters, Amelie and Miroslava. The names are unusual, but we approached their choice very carefully,” the press service of the railway workers quotes Kasaeva. - But overall, it was a good, family year. Alan and I tried to spend as much time as possible with the team and the other players' wives. “Lokomotiv” is a big family not only on the field, but also off it.

First of all, I would like to wish the entire team good health. And to the football players, and their families and loved ones. Peaceful sky above your head! Let there be a united fist, faith in your work and the achievement of new, even higher heights. I wish my beloved husband Alan health and patience. After all, there are now three girls in his house, all with different characters. And may all your dreams come true. Happy New Year!