Viktor Melekhin / Photo: © FC Rostov
Rostov central defender Viktor Melekhin told Metaratings.ru about his desire to play for the Russian national team.
– In November last year, you got into the extended squad of the national team, but did not make it to the final. Why?
– At that time I was not ready for the national team, so Karpin did not call. If I had been ready, then I think Georgievich would have called me.
– Karpin explained where you need to add to be in the national team?
– He often talks about some episodes, trying to make sure that we add every day. There was no specific talk about the national team. We are trying to grow and get into the Russian team. I’m sure Valery Georgievich will definitely notice if I’m ready for this step.
– How much do you want to play for the national team now? For example, Smolov and Kokorin publicly said that they see no point in their participation in the matches of the national team at the moment.
– I am not yet Smolov and not Kokorin. They have probably already played their matches. This is their opinion, and I really want to get into the Russian team, feel the emotions from the anthem. I am sure that any young player wants to get into the national team. Especially now there is such an opportunity.
– In June, the national team meeting was canceled. If instead of a vacation you had to go to the national team after a difficult season, would you be happy?
Of course, one hundred percent would be happy. This is the main Russian team, what other vacation? (laughs). If there is such an opportunity, I will go there with my eyes closed,” Melekhin said.
Melekhin has been playing for the main team of Rostov since 2021. The 19-year-old played 34 games last season and made 1 assist. Portal Transfermarkt estimates the market value of the defender at 3.5 million euros.
