Former striker of the Azerbaijan national team and clubs such as Zira, Keshla, Sabail, and Sumgayit, Ruslan Gurbanov, gave an interview to Teleqraf
- You’ve been out of the spotlight for a while. Where are you now and what are you doing?
- No one needs me anymore, the time when people were interested in me has passed. That’s normal, and I’ve accepted it calmly. I'm currently in Russia, training on my own. I'm content with everything.
- You’re one of the former national team players with a fairly rich career. Why do you think you’re sidelined today?
- I’m grateful to Azerbaijan for my career. After all, Azerbaijan believed in me and accepted me when I was 18. The blame is on me. Moreover, I had no mentor to help me. I’ve always been on my own. But I’m thankful to God and Azerbaijan for everything.
- Is there any mistake or decision you still can’t forgive yourself for?
- I didn’t maintain discipline and always thought I had time for everything. If I’d had a mentor to guide me, I’d probably still be playing. But I’m content with what I have today.
- Do you stay in touch with any of your former national teammates? Who supports you?
- There are no hard times, and I hope no one else goes through them either. I still stay in touch with Bahlul Mustafazada, Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev, Slavik Alkhasov, Ramil Sheydayev, Javid Imamverdiyev, and a few others. I follow their games and always root for them.
- What club or match do people most associate with you?
- My time with the Azerbaijan national team was the most memorable. Representing the flag and playing on the international stage is a great honor. The moments when we reached the cup final with Neftchi were also very special. I have good memories from Gabala too, I played in the Europa League and scored against teams like Saint-Etienne (1:2) and Mainz (2:3). I could’ve done more, but again, the blame is on me.
- You're not playing right now. Do you miss football?
- Of course, I miss it a lot. My kids are growing up, my daughter goes to school, so I can’t move around constantly anymore. Now I have to think not only about myself but my family too.
- Are your kids involved in sports?
- My daughter goes to gymnastics here, but more for fun. I want her to focus on education first. My son was born in Baku on May 2. That’s my way of thanking Azerbaijan for everything. I hope he grows up to achieve more than I ever did.
- You once had a car accident that cost you a lot of money. You said it was a turning point. How so?
I remember it well. I didn’t cause the accident, someone hit my car. I had taken my Mercedes in for repairs, but they damaged it. I didn’t get any compensation; instead, I paid 150 manats so they would release the guy who hit it. I forgave him because he had four kids. He was a Georgian citizen. In short, I didn’t make trouble for him.
- When and during which club did this happen?
- I was playing for Neftchi and had just transferred to Gabala. I had bought the car on credit. I remember it was Eid al-Adha and also my birthday, September 12.
- The accident happened in 2016 when you were 25. How did you recover from this turning point in your life?
- I paid the full $45,000, but the next day my car got hit again. Later, I earned back much more than that. Maybe because I forgave the man who caused me $5,000 in damage.
- You’ve worked with many head coaches in both the national team and clubs. Who left the biggest impact?
- I’m grateful to every coach I’ve had. Special thanks to Robert Prosinecki, I started playing for the national team under him. When everyone told him not to call me up, he believed in me. At Gabala, I learned tactics and a lot about football from Roman Grygorchuk. He trusted me and gave me the chance to play at a high level.
- There were claims that you were upset with Qurban Qurbanov for not playing you. Is that true?
- I never had any disagreement with Gurban Gurbanov. On the contrary, he also called me up to the national team and believed in me. I’m very grateful to him. I thank every coach I’ve worked with.
- You last played for Hypers Guba in Azerbaijan. Some of your peers still play in lower leagues or the Premier League. Where do you see yourself now?
- Yes, I played in the second division, the level is very low. Players have nowhere else to go, so they’re forced to play in the first and second divisions. Some move abroad to continue their careers. The lower leagues need to be developed, only then will there be real competition among players.
- Are you thinking of retiring? If you were to have a farewell match, which club would you want it from?
- I’d like it to be Neftchi. But sadly, that won’t happen, those days are over. I joined Neftchi at 18 and started my football journey there. I would have loved to end it there too.
- Do you see yourself becoming a coach? Have you received or are you expecting offers from any Azerbaijani clubs?
- I haven’t received any offers and I’m not expecting any. There are plenty of local coaches in Azerbaijan who deserve to lead clubs and national teams. Of course, if such an offer comes in the future, I’ll consider it.
- What would you like to say to the fans and people who support you?
- I thank those who supported me, stood by me, criticized me, or even spoke badly about me. Without you, I couldn’t have played this long. May your homes be full of peace, comfort, and laughter. I feel a deep love for Azerbaijan, and that will always remain in my heart.
Idman.biz
