In September, we learned that the volleyball player Matthew Anderson signed a contract with the “Zenith” of St. Petersburg. The 35-year-old American already has experience in Russia. For Kazan “Zenith” he spent seven seasons. After that, the American traveled to Italy, where he defended the colors of Modena and Perugia.
Anderson was to continue his career in China. He even signed a contract with Shanghai, but the deal was terminated.
In an interview with , Matthew explained why he returned to Russia, shared his impressions of the match against his former team, and also enjoyed St. Petersburg’s fall.
— How is your adjustment going in St. Petersburg?
I’ve been in town for almost two weeks. I finally found an apartment, but I haven’t moved yet. I think that after moving, I will be able to move around the city more.
I feel good in the team. Volleyball is volleyball, the game is the same all over the world. Yes, and I already had the experience of playing in Kazan for seven years. I know a lot of Russian players. I can compare this process to riding a bike: just jump on it and get into the right rhythm.
– How did you decide to return to Russia?
– I have long thought, discussed this subject at length with my wife and with the manager. I realized what I could do for my career and my family by returning to Russia, and I realized that was the best option.
– You play in different positions. In what position do we intend to use you at Zenit?
— Signed a contract as a player. I think this is the position I will occupy during the season.
I can carry out several functions within a team. I wouldn’t call it an easy task, but it’s something I’m comfortable doing.
– You have already played in Zenit’s first match in the Russian Cup. What worked and what didn’t?
– I’m happy that we won the game, but I’m disappointed that we didn’t reach the Cup final.
All the guys on the team are very talented. This is one of the reasons why other players return to Russia. Some of the best volleyball players aged 18 to 35 play here.
In every game you want to become even better. I hope we will have the opportunity.
– You played for Zenit Kazan for many years, now it will be one of the main rivals. How will you feel in court against them?
– In the match against Kazan “Zenith” I spent only 5-6 minutes. It was not easy, because the memories of the club and having played there are still etched in my memory.
We were one of the best teams in Russia and in the world. I still have warm feelings for this team. However, during the game, I think about the team I’m playing for at the moment.
Tell me about your tattoos. Have any new ones appeared, which do you consider the most important, what do they mean?
– I have quite a few tattoos. On the forearm I added tattoos dedicated to my family. The deer is for me, the bear is for my wife, the cub is for my son, and the fox is for my daughter.
Family is the closest and dearest thing in my life. I make most decisions based on their wants and needs, so almost all tattoos are dedicated to family.
However, there are a few tattoos dedicated to volleyball. For example, a tattoo about the London Olympics. Depicted the Tower Bridge, and below – the Olympic rings. The London Olympics were the first of my life. I also want to add Rio and Tokyo Olympics themed tattoos.
– Did you have an idol among the athletes in your childhood?
‘I don’t think you know them, but they are several American football players. I thought they were great athletes. At that time, Michael Jordan also successfully played in the NBA.
Actually, I don’t idolize famous people. For me, the idol was more my family members – dad and uncle.
– Which of the athletes is an example for you now?
Probably Kobe Bryant. Rest in peace, Kobe. I am motivated by his approach to life. I listen to his stories about planning the day and am surprised. Sometimes I can’t figure out what I want to cook for breakfast, and he could already think about his schedule ten steps ahead.
– You came to St. Petersburg without a family? How are you?
– Yes, I came to St. Petersburg without a family. It’s hard for me to be away from my family.
I was lucky enough to be able to stay home for about seven weeks. At that time, he tried to spend every moment next to his wife and children. Thanks to modern technology, I can communicate with my family via video link. The son picks up the phone, walks around the house and communicates with me. My daughter can also look at the screen and recognize me. I try to involve myself as much as possible in the lives of my children. The situation may change and they will come to me if they solve the visa problems.
– In one of the interviews you said that you could not get used to the style of driving in Russia. Something changed? Is it still difficult for you to drive on the street?
– Here, in St. Petersburg, the movement seems to me much more organized, at least on the Petrograd side and on Krestovsky Island.
I haven’t moved to the center yet, because I don’t have much time. I drive from the gym to the hotel. So far it has not been possible to see the whole city.
— Describe your typical day in St. Petersburg.
— I get up between 7.30 and 8 am, I go down to the hotel restaurant and I have breakfast. I drink a lot of coffee in the morning. Then I come to the first training session: either we train indoors or we work with the ball. I have lunch with the team at the Sibur Arena, then I come to the hotel to rest for a few hours. After an evening workout, I return to the hotel, have dinner and chat with my family for several hours. It’s dark here, but in America everyone is awake and I can communicate with my family and friends.
“Do you have any favorite places in St. Petersburg, outside of your home and the gym?”
— I’ve been to several restaurants, but I can’t remember the names. I just got a car so I still have trouble navigating the city. Also, my US cards don’t work here, so I have to limit my spending.
– How do you like the weather in St. Petersburg?
— In Buffalo, where I grew up, there are harsh winters. But in St. Petersburg it is very humid. I spend little time outdoors. I don’t think the weather is an issue as I spend most of the day inside the sports complex or at home.
How many jackets did you bring with you?
– Two jackets. I think the team will give me a few more (smiles).
Do you continue to collect sneakers?
— Yes, I have more than two hundred pairs of shoes. My wife helped me organize a special room for sneakers. At one point I had seven cars, but now I was just collecting sneakers.
What would you choose: buy new sneakers or a child’s toy?
Fortunately, I don’t have to choose. Thanks to the opportunities that volleyball has given me, I can afford to buy both.
Source : MatchTV
