The Chance - Arshavin First Find & Interview
Nike's search for the hungriest young footballers on the planet hits Russia. The competition is heating up and this time it's national captain Andrey Arshavin who has stepped forward to select his first find. Arshavin's pick joins Pep Guardiola's, Rio Ferdinand's and further scout selections as Nike's global mission continues.
With his Nike 'Chance' ticket in hand Arshavin, back in Russia with home-town club Zenit St Petersburg, cast his eyes over a snow swept pitch as each player did their best to impress one of Russia's most famous faces in sport!
How important is chance in professional football?
Arshavin: Chance is important everywhere - not only in football, but also in life. Sometimes you don t get a chance to realize your potential. But when you get it, you shouldn t look around, you should just try to do your best.
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Do you think that you used all the chances you had in your life? AA: I think it is important not just to use your chance, but to get it at the right moment. In my life it was exactly this way, so I m lucky. How difficult is it for a young player to justify expectations of his coach? AA: I think a young player doesn't think about it. He just wants to play football, he appears on the pitch with big desire and eagerness, he enjoys the game.At that moment it s just a game. It s 100% game, not business. And getting the result doesn t put pressure on you. If you weren t a football player, what would you do? AA: It s difficult to say how my life could change, if I weren t a football player. I love what I do. |
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What was most difficult for you at the beginning of your football career?
AA: To get to where we had training sessions. I was living on the opposite side of Petrovskiy stadium (Saint-Petersburg) and used to travel by subway for an hour.
Do you remember your first pitch?
AA: My first pitch was wooden, because the surface in Smena's gym was wooden. And if we talk about natural pitches, I was training on good grassy pitches.
Did you play football with your friends in the yard at the beginning of your career?
AA: Sure. But not as much as during the training sessions. We weren't playing football as it is, it was more like playing games - square, minus five.
How can young football players showcase their talent and become professional players?
AA: First of all, they should have all conditions - access to good football pitches and qualified coaches.
What is your role in Chance program?
AA: I support this program in Russia. During the video shooting I gave wildcard to one of the players, so he will take part in the final. By the way, he plays at the same position as I do. I will definitely keep an eye on participants.
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Can you give a piece of advice to The Chance participants? What they need to do to be noticed by scouts? AA: First of all, you shouldn t be afraid of so many participants. If you really have a talent, you will be chosen. You just need to show your best qualities, you shouldn t look at the other players. If you can do something better than they can do, focus on this. Just try to do your best and concentrate on your strong sides. Other people will say You won t succeed. You re just one of thousands participants - don't listen! The most important thing is to believe in yourself. What makes The Chance so special? I'm sure we have a lot of talented football players. For some reasons they haven't been noticed by clubs and scouts. And now they ve got a chance to show their best. |
The players joining Arshavin's 'First Find' in the Russia finals will be chosen by a nationwide network of scouts with the help of The Chance Facebook app. Think you have what it takes? Sign up http://go.nike.com/The_Chance
