Offensive “Neftekhimika” Nail Yakupov in an interview with , he said that he was happy to return to Nizhnekamsk and visit places familiar to him from childhood.
Neftekhimik has announced the transfer to the club of 2021 Gagarin Cup winner Nail Yakupov on July 11. The agreement with the 29-year-old hockey player is designed for one year. Yakupov is from Nizhnekamsk, the forward started his career at Neftekhimik. The last three seasons Yakupov played for Avangard.
— In recent years, I have rarely visited Nizhnekamsk. I only came to matches, to see my parents, to visit relatives for a few days. And so fate decided that I should spend more time in my hometown,” Yakupov told .
– How was born the option with Neftekhimik?
– The club’s proposal came a long time ago. But I also considered the option of playing Avangard. I wanted to stay in Omsk. And when it didn’t work out with the Falcons, I was glad Neftekhimik still called me home.
Trading in the market in general is a complicated thing. A coach approached me during the series against Ak Bars. He very eagerly persuaded: “You will play with me a lot!” I replied that we were advancing the negotiations until the end of the playoffs. I liked that there was such interest. But the case did not even lead to a dialogue on the contract. At first they didn’t answer the calls, then they said, “No”. They changed their minds so abruptly that even the sediment remained. Better not to call.
In general, I am happy to return to Nizhnekamsk. And I didn’t really feel like choosing in the market, although options presented themselves. I don’t feel my age – I’m not yet 30, I’m full of strength. He did not go into the details of the contract with Neftekhimik. I just lived, trained, rested, prepped for boot camp.
The club is close to Kazan, I didn’t even look for a ticket. I threw my bag in the car and drove off. I know everything in the city. Believe it or not, now I’m driving around Nizhnekamsk – looking at places I’ve played before. I stop in front of the old courtyards to which childhood is linked. And nostalgia sets in. Already broke the sweat…
“Probably because of the weather.
Yes, it is very hot outside. Probably +60 somewhere (laughs). And so I get in a car, look at neighborhoods and city blocks. I remember how I played at home 10 years ago, – said Yakupov.
Source : MatchTV
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