Meanwhile, Alexander Hleb is the major newsmaker, having cancelled his contract with Spanish Barcelona ahead of schedule, by mutual consent, in late January (the day before the transfer window closed in Western Europe). Belarus’ top footballer received proposals from Stuttgart and Olympiacos, choosing the Greek team. However, Olympiacos behaved incorrectly and made it clear for Hleb (having already passed his medical examination) that they aren’t ready to sign a contract with him.
The press speculated that he might join Anji, Moscow’s Spartak, Lokomotiv or Dynamo, St. Petersburg Zenit, Dynamo Kiev, Kuban or, even, Chicago Fire (in the American MLS). However, he finally chose Russian Krylia Sovetov, signing a contract with Samara club for the coming season. Hleb has already appeared on the field with his new team (currently preparing for the season in Holland), playing a friendly match against Dutch WHC; he made two goal passes, with his team winning 3:1. “I don’t regret anything: my move or failure to play for Olympiacos or any other famous club. It’s Fate. I didn’t see much sense in training with Barcelona knowing that I wouldn’t appear on the field under any circumstances. I’d rather play!” Alexander admits.
