Minister of Sport RFhead of the Russian Olympic Committee Mikhail Degtyarev named silver medalist of the 1964 European Championship Viktor Shustikov national football legend.
Shustikov died at the age of 86 after a long illness. He holds the record for number of games with Torpedo in championships USSR (427).
“Viktor Mikhailovich Shustikov is a legend of Russian football, a man who personified club loyalty and the highest level of skill,” Degtyarev said. — He became a champion USSRsilver medalist at the European Championship, participant in the world championship, and after finishing his career he proved himself to be a talented coach and manager in his native team.”
“When these greats pass away, their era and the great sporting victories of the past are always remembered. In Shustikov’s time, the teams of our most important clubs were mainly formed by their own students, who, thanks to the coaches and the love of the fans, became brilliant stars of world fame, remaining faithful to the team throughout their careers,” the minister emphasized. “It was during this period and with such sports education that our football reached the heights of which we are proud today. In memory of our legendary players of the past and their contributions, we will revive the best of their legacy, of that school.”
Together with Torpedo, Shustikov became a champion USSR (1960, 1965), three-time Cup winner USSR (1960, 1968, 1972), twice recognized as the best football player USSR (1963, 1964). Shustikov played for Torpedo his entire playing career, from 1958 to 1972, and has been the team’s captain since 1968.
