Zenit goalkeeper Mikhail Kerzhakov admitted he was overcome with emotion during the farewell ceremony held in his honor at the club’s home stadium, marking the end of his playing career.
The 39-year-old was an unused substitute as Zenit rallied for a 2-1 comeback victory over Rostov on Sunday in the 29th round of the MIR Russian Premier League. After the final whistle, Kerzhakov walked to the center of the Gazprom Arena, where he was greeted by teammates and fans. He could not hold back tears during the tribute. Earlier, it had been announced that the veteran goalkeeper would retire at the end of the current season.
“I expected to stay composed, but it just hit me. I’m a sentimental person by nature,” Kerzhakov told reporters in an interview. “I thought I’d be able to control myself. Usually, if I shed a tear, it’s at home where nobody sees. But this time, I couldn’t help it.”
When asked about the ceremony itself, Kerzhakov revealed he had asked for certain elements to be removed but still found it deeply moving. He was also caught off guard when teammate Andrei Mostovoi grabbed the microphone and led the crowd in a chant of “Misha Kerzhakov.”
“I had no idea that would happen. All game long, I was focused on us winning,” the goalkeeper added.
Zenit currently lead the league table with 65 points. They will conclude the season away against Rostov on May 17.