Criscito happy in Russia

Zenit St Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito has reflected on his missed opportunity to join Napoli, but insists he made the right choice in moving to Russia.

Criscito was in talks with the Serie A club, but they could not settle on wages, leaving negotiations to go quiet. Zenit then stepped in and landed him from Genoa in a reported €11 million deal.

The defender has now explained how he would have liked to move to the San Paolo but is still happy in St Petersburg.

“When I see Napoli play in the Champions League with a full stadium then I feel a little regret,” Criscito told Radio Kiss Kiss.

“I would have liked to have worn the Napoli jersey, but I am happy in Russia. The Italian staff at the club have helped me integrate a lot.”

The 24-year-old full-back is not afraid to admit the deal to join Napoli failed because of his economic demands.

“Everyone knows why I did not join Napoli. The move collapsed because we could not find an agreement on the money,” Criscito said.

Zenit take on Rostov in the league on Sunday. Luciano Spalletti’s men are in first place with 54 points, two ahead of CSKA Moscow.