Zhemaletdinov Signs On!

Rifat Zhemaletdinov signed a long-term deal with Lokomotiv.

Rifat Zhemaletdinov returned to the Club two years later. The 21-year-old striker signed a long-term deal with Loko and today he also held his first training session at the team's training camp in Austria.

Rifat is a Lokomotiv Academy graduate. From the age of five, when he started his career in Lokomotiv Academy, he's passed all the stages of youth teams. Rifat made his senior debut in the 15/16 season, having scored two goals in six matches.

In July 2016 he moved to Rubin.

National teams achievements: European U17 Championship winner (2013), European U19 Championship runner-up (2015)

Rifat Zhemaletdinov, Lokomotiv forward: – I started playing football in Cherkizovo when I was very young. So it is really a comeback to my club,to my home. I was glad to see all my friends with whom I grew up in the Club's Academy, U21 team and in the main team. Loko in these two years has achieved great success, and I will do my best to continue to grow with the team. An interesting season is to come: we have to defend our title, and play well in the Champions League. My first training here is done, we work with enthusiasm!

Yuri Syomin, Lokomotiv Head Coach: – I am delighted Rifat joined our Club. I really want him to play in our side like the rest of our Academy graduates: Miranchuk brothers, Barinov, Lysov. I am sure that Rifat will succeed – he has talent. I hope that he will work hard – then he will make a very good player. Adaptation? He knows the players. The main thing for him is to work hard and be more active during trainings.