Kunlun Red Star Forward Nail Yakupov In an interview with , he said he wanted to continue his career in “Ak Barse” and the financial issue was not important, but in the end the dialogue with the club management was unsuccessful.
The Chinese club announced the transfer of 30-year-old Yakupov on Tuesday. The agreement with the player is for one year.
— At first we had a dialogue, and it went in a positive way. Judging from what I was told. There was a good dynamic. Even though I was recovering from an injury. But I would be ready for the playoffs.
After the season, we also talked, but apparently the dialogue didn’t work out. Or they didn’t want to see me at Ak Bars. They chose another route, without me. And the new coach came – maybe he had his say.
I don’t know what the details were. But my desire was great. In my heart I really hoped to be able to move to Ak Bars, especially since Kazan is my home, I have been living there for several years.
I was even ready to play for Ak Bars for free! Imagine. I talked with the Kazan players. They say: “Just take your hockey bag and throw it in our locker room, and it’s like you’re with us.” – “Yes, I would be happy, the conversation here is not about money at all. I can play for free at home,” Yakupov told .
In 2012, Yakupov was drafted by the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers with the first overall pick. In the North American League, he played 350 games and scored 136 (62+74) points. The forward played for Neftekhimik last season, participated in 31 regular season games of the FONBET KHL championship and scored 19 (8+11) points. Yakupov is the winner of the Gagarin Cup as part of Omsk Avangard.
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Source : MatchTV
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