Idman.biz
Fans who have been following local football for many years remember Ruslan Poladov from the games he played in the late last century. For this reason, seeing the 46-year-old veteran in the friendly match between "Khankendi" and "Zangezur" attracted even more attention. It turned out that Poladov has been defending the honor of "Zangezur" in the Regional League for several months.
Idman.Biz talked to the oldest active player of the country's football without a doubt.
- Ruslan bey, where did you start your career and in which clubs did you play?
- I was born in Sumgayit. Of course, I took my first steps in the team of my hometown - then it was called "Khazar-Sumgayit". I made my debut back in 1998, in the last century. Then I played for various clubs.
- There are those among them that have already stopped operating.
- Yes, there have been quite a few such teams: I have played in clubs such as "Genclerbirliyi", "Khazar-Lankaran".
- It turns out that many clubs have already said goodbye to football, but you are still playing. Couldn't you find yourself in another profession?
- On the contrary, I have found it (laughs). I work in my hometown, I am the coach of the U-16 team at the "Sumgayit" FC academy. I'm just not tired of playing football yet. In addition, I also play mini-football for "Galaksi". No matter how pathetic it sounds, I only go to the field because of my love for this game.
- Do you want to be Azerbaijani Kazuyoshi Miura? (Miura is the world's oldest professional football player who continues his career at the age of 58 - ed.)
- No, I still have a long way to go to reach it, I am still very young (laughs). He is almost 60 years old, and I am not even 47 years old yet. Moreover, Miura plays in the top league, and I play in the regional league.
- Why did you choose "Zangezur" in particular? I don't believe the reason is financial.
- Of course not financial. Frankly, there were several offers. But firstly, the name of the club played a role, and secondly, I know almost all the children here, there is no adaptation problem. The main thing is the goal that unites us: to become the champion of the Regional League and advance to the Second League. So far we are moving forward with confidence - 13 wins in 13 games.
- Are they not jealous of your second activity in "Sumgayit"?
- No, on the contrary, the management supports it. They create conditions for me to participate in the games of "Zangezur". The main thing is that this does not interfere with training at the academy.
- What is your future plan? Will the mission end after promotion to the Second League, or are you planning to play until you are 50?
- I don't set an age limit for myself. As long as I have the strength and desire, I will be on the field. If I am needed by the team even after "Zangezur" is promoted, I will continue my performance.
