The Brazilian goalkeeper of Zenit Ivan Quaresma told why he got such a name, and also shared his impressions of meeting his teammates.

The Petersburg club rented Ivan from the Brazilian Corinthians for one year with the right to buy.

– This name was chosen for me by my grandfather – he wanted me to become a doctor. When I grew up, I learned that this name has a Russian origin. Now I’m at Zenit, and there are three Ivans here, we are all namesakes – it’s so cool! Great feeling – a new club, a warm welcome, and also a name that is traditional for your country. Where else could I go if not to Russia! Kaif, – the press service of Zenit quotes the words of the 25-year-old football player.

On Tuesday, the Brazilian had his first training session at the new club.

– I feel great, because I actively trained at Corinthians, and the pause for the flight to Russia was very short. The meeting with the team turned out to be sincere – I got acquainted with all the players, with the goalkeepers, with our coaches. I hope that every day I will join the team faster and get used to everything in order to prove myself in training and, God willing, in games for Zenit, ”said the player.

According to Ivan, the transition to Zenit is “a very big and important step” for him.

– Every player, starting his career, dreams of one day playing in the football giants, dreams of moving to Europe and defending the honor of the national team of his country. So this is a big challenge for me and I’m going to do my best to answer it. Zenit is a large European club with a rich history, the most titled club in Russia, a multiple champion. And I hope that I will adequately represent him and my new partners in order to add new trophies to the ones already won. To make his future even brighter than the past,” said the goalkeeper.