VPS acquired 31-year-old Yevgeni Baškirov.
Yevgeni Bashkirov played in Russia for Rubin Kazan in 2019–2020. PDO
Vaasan Palloseura, which plays in the Veikkausliiga, has acquired a Russian in its ranks Yevgeny Bashkirov.
The 31-year-old midfielder moves to Finland from Zaglebie Lubin of the Polish league. Earlier this winter, he went to a test period in Salon Palloilijoi, who plays in the 1st division.
Bashkirov is a well-known addition to the Veikkausliiga, as he has played in the Russian premier league for several years.
VPS tells in its announcementthat Bashkirov has condemned Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine from the beginning.
– The fact is that a footballer of Bashkirov’s caliber would not practice his profession in Finland without an exceptional political situation. When we received information about Baškirov’s interest in moving to VPS, we discussed the matter with both the team’s coaching management and the club’s board together and separately, the chairman of the board of VPS Timo Harry says on the club’s website.
– The outcome of the discussions was clear and consistent: we strongly condemn Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, but in accordance with our club’s values, we do not judge, let alone judge, individuals based on citizenship, but what is essential for us is living the club’s values in our everyday activities, Harri continues.
The player himself also commented on his situation in the press release.
– My situation is not special, and it cannot be compared to the sufferings of war. Everyone feels the impact of war-induced aggression. As a Russian footballer, playing abroad is challenging, but the fact that I arrived in Vaasa and that I get to play in a team like VPS is a big gift, Baškirov says.