Spartak Moscow to make new attempt to naturalize Welliton

Dmitry Popov, sporting director of Spartak Moscow, revealed that the club’s Brazilian striker Welliton won’t be sold and may even acquire Russian citizenship.

«Yes, Spartak has received official offers for Welliton. The answer was the same in all cases: the Brazilian is not for sale. Welliton has been playing in Russia for almost five years. So next year or even earlier, Spartak will help its player to apply for a Russian passport,» Popov said according to Bobsoccer.

Welliton’s possible naturalization and even a call-up to the national team was a subject of a heated discussion some seasons ago. However, it has dwindled considerably since then.

Russian head coach Dick Advocaat also commented on Welliton’s possible call-up. «If he wants to become a Russian citizen, let him do it, in case he sees it fit. Does he deserve a place in the national team? Let’s wait and see when it becomes possible,» Advocaat said to Sport-Express.

This season, Welliton played 20 games for Spartak, scoring 8 goals.