Alexandru Antoniuc: "I want to become a Russian citizen and play for the Moldova squad"

Zimbru pupil and Rubin Kazan's player Alexandru Antoniuc tells about himself, his short-range plans and his holiday mood.

- I have been in Chişinău for two months but the time flew by unnoticed because I was with my family, friends and girlfriend Doina. It seems that I didn't stay home at all.

I will go to Kazan on next Saturday. We will go to a training camp in Turkey right after that.

- Did your coaches give you any homework to do during the break?

- Yes, they gave me some tasks to do; I had a set of exercises for home work. I tried to do them according to the schedule. I also have been jogging near my house in Ciocana Nouă.

- What are your prospects in Rubin?

- I have filled all necessary documents for getting the Russian citizenship. If I become a Russian citizen everything will be much easier.

I am training with the first team. Foreign players face plenty of competition. You need to bу much better than local players to gain the trust of coaches.

- What are the odds of Rubin against its closest Europa League opponent, Dutch Twente?

- We can beat it. Kazan should make it to the 1/8 final.

- Does the Russian Championship bronze medal winner have the goal of winning the Europa League prize?

- We haven't been told anything yet. Perhaps, our goals will become more specific after we start training on Jan. 8.

- What are the odds of your brother Maxim getting into the Zimbru first team?

- I was on the bleachers at the Nistru-Zimbru match when Maxim scored two goals. If he keeps playing this way I am sure that getting a spot on the first team will not be a problem for him...

- What's your greatest wish in 2011?

- I have the same goals as Maxim - to play and score. I want to get into the Moldova squad.