French striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle, who signed a two-year deal with Premier League side Rostov last week, said Monday his experience in various European leagues would help him adapt quickly to playing in Russia.
“I came here to Russia in complete uncertainty having just general knowledge about the country and its league,” the 27-year-old forward told the press.
“But it doesn’t bother me at all as I’ve played in four different European leagues and learned how to adapt quick for the new championship.”
Sinama-Pongolle, who is set to marry his Russian girlfriend Anastasia in near future, added that the transfer to the Russian side was his personal idea and his fiancee had no influence on his decision.
“It wasn’t a romantic move at all,” he said. “The club offered me fair contract conditions which fit my expectations completely. Rostov showed their interest in my services and it was decided on the deal.”
The forward, who played last season on loan in his homeland with Saint-Etienne from Sporting Lisbon, also said that his girlfriend, who had been making her career as a model in Western Europe, had to quit to follow him to Rostov.
“Last season I played for Saint-Etienne and helped her to learn everything about life in France,” the player said.
“Now we traded places and it’s her turn to help me to get accustomed to life in Russia. This process of cultural mutual enrichment makes our joint life more and more interesting.”
The footballer, who began his career with Le Havre, before spells with Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Recreativo Huelva, Atletico Madrid and Zaragoza, said he was set to help his new club to rise in the Russian league’s table.
“Rostov bosses have brought together players of different ages and nationalities in the club,” he said.
“I know that only consistent everyday work can turn this mixture into a unit capable of achieving a result. And I will do my best to help my new club to achieve a positive result.”
Rostov currently lie fourth from bottom of the league after seven matches.
