Зенит навсегда

An important role in the life of "Zenith" was played by an irreconcilable confrontation with "Spartak." And the stories of Sergei Salnikov and Sergei Shvetsov, Vladimir Bystrov and Artem Dziuba, Pavel Pogrebnyak and Alexander Sobolev are full of similarities and differences. But what role did the "stranger" who became "his" play in the historical conquest of the UEFA Cup?

St. Petersburg is the birthplace of football in the Russian Empire, and Zenit is the main football pride of Petersburgers. For a hundred years of its history, the club, like the city, and the whole country, had a chance to survive the terrible military and blockade years, the difficult perestroika time, the painful departure to the First League. However, each time the blue-white-blue overcame these blows of fate, demonstrating the unbending Leningrad spirit and paving their way to the title of the best team in Russia.

On this path, foreign professionals left a bright mark - and leave. This is the coaches who fostered the winning mentality - Vlastimil Petrzhela, Dick Advocaat, Luciano Spalletti, Andre Villas-Boas. And legendary captains, Nicholas Lomberts and Danni, who fell in love with their loyalty to a generation of fans. And the continuing traditions of the cult legionnaires Wendel and Vilmar Barrios.

Continuation of traditions is Zenit. In the history of blue-white-blue, several dynasties of players and coaches stand out: the Kerzhakov brothers, Alexander and Mikhail, who rewrote many club records, as well as the owners of a unique achievement in Russian football, father and son Davydov, Anatoly and Dmitry. Of course, Zenit fans also have their own continuity of generations.

These are the very fans the club's anthem sings about: "...you will never be alone." Thanks to the love of St. Petersburg and its loyal supporters, Zenit returns stronger year after year – this has become especially noticeable in the era of Sergey Semak, the most challenging and most successful period in the long journey of the blue-white-blues. Because of this love, Zenit is forever.