Matvey Safonov, the 27-year-old goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain and Russia, spoke to the official website of the Russian Football Union following his arrival at the national team. He spoke with joy about his place at PSG and his return to Krasnodar, his boyhood club, for the national team’s match against Nicaragua this Friday.
Safonov: “Just as I fought (…), I continue to do so.”
Matvey, hi. What’s new? How are you?
I’m doing well! I missed my flight in Istanbul, I took another ticket, but I arrived today. That’s the main thing.
And how is it really going?
It was a wonderful moment, full of nostalgia, and I found myself at the Krasnodar training center. I’m over the moon.
The last time you were here was in November. You seem to be in a more positive frame of mind now.
Just as I fought for what was important and dear to me back then, I continue to do so.
How has your life changed recently?
Everyone knows I’ve been playing a bit more, so I arrived in top form.
Safonov: “You could say my life in Paris has split in two: before and after.”
Now you can walk your dog or go to the supermarket without any problems?
People approach me and recognize me much more often. I’m on TV more often. It must have become more difficult. After the Intercontinental Cup, you could say my life in Paris has split in two: before and after.
Weren’t there ten people behind you?
I try to avoid that. If I go to the supermarket, it’s to do my shopping, not to take pictures. I wear a mask and a hood.
Safonov: “This is a special moment for me.”
How does it feel to come home knowing the Russian national team will be playing here?
When I learned the match was in Krasnodar, I hoped to be selected. So now, I hope to play in the stadium where it all began.
Is there a particular feeling?
Actually, I was at the stadium last summer for two Krasnodar home games. So, it hasn’t been more than a year and a half since I left. But as a player, it’s a homecoming, and that’s important to me. I’m really looking forward to seeing the fans and the stadium again. Even now, I’m feeling nostalgic; I’m walking around with a smile. Everything feels so familiar. I spent a significant part of my career here. This is a special moment for me.
