Former midfielder and youth team coach Alexander Grishin commented on the significance of Igor Akinfeev for the CSKA club and Russian football as a whole. This was reported by Euro-football.ru.
The goalkeeper played his 800th match for CSKA, which was a home game against "Akhmat" in the second round of the Russian Premier League (2:1). Grishin emphasized that Akinfeev is not only a symbol of the "army men" but also ranks among the great players of the past.
He said: Akinfeev is truly a legend. Sometimes a player is called a legend after just one season, but real legends are Yashin, Streltsov, Shesternyov, and Akinfeev.
He is a giant player of our time. Igor Akinfeev made his debut for the CSKA first team in 2003 and has been playing consistently for the club ever since.
He is one of the longest-serving players in Russian football. His loyalty and high-level performance hold a special place in the club's history.
Akinfeev's participation is of great importance for CSKA, as he has secured victories in many crucial matches as the team's main goalkeeper. His experience also serves as an example for young players.
Thus, Igor Akinfeev is recognized as a bright star of Russian football.
