Moscow "Lokomotiv" team's midfielder Zelimkhan Bakaev spoke about how he responded to former head coach and Podmoskovye "Khimki" team leader Frank Artiga comparing him to Lamin Yamal. This was reported by Euro-football.ru.
The Russian footballer played on loan at "Khimki" during the 2024/2025 season, although he actually belonged to the "Zenit" club. According to Bakaev, he told Artiga that his favorite footballer is Cristiano Ronaldo.
He also emphasized that such comparisons do not matter to him because he is no longer like a child. Artiga was dismissed from "Khimki" last season for supporting players' dissatisfaction due to delayed monthly salaries.
As a result, the Podmoskovye club withdrew from the Russian Premier League competition due to financial difficulties, and Bakaev moved to "Lokomotiv" as a free agent.
