Krasnodar striker Fyodor Smolov has issued a statement explaining why he rejected the opportunity to join West Ham United.
The £20million-rated goalscorer was tipped to move to London ahead of the transfer window deadline but has released a statement via Krasnodar's website confirming that he will be staying at the club.Embed from Getty Images
"Firstly, we are only one point behind [Spartak and Zenit] in the battle for a place in the Champions League," wrote Smolov. "Secondly, I've spent two-and-a-half years in Krasnodar, and I think that the club has the right to receive decent compensation for my sale.
"The main motive for this move was for me to realise my dream of testing myself in one of the strong European championships. During this transfer window many negotiations were held, but there was no proposal that would be acceptable for the club and me.
"So I will continue to work and play in Krasnodar to help the team achieve results and prepare well for the World Cup, and in the summer I will wait for proposals that Krasnodar will suit and will meet my goals."
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