Off the pitch Skrtel is a very modest and kind person (former team mate)

This interview has been reproduced from lfcinrussia.com submitted by Eziz Allamov

Vyacheslav Malafeev is a goalkeeper who plays for Zenit St. Petersburg and Russian national team. He answered several questions about his ex-teammate Martin Skrtel.

[I] = the interviewer; [VM] = Vyacheslav Malafeev.
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[I] How easy was it to find a common language with Martin on the training ground?

[VM] Very easy. He is a professional and knows exactly what needs to be done on the football pitch! You can it not only during a match, but also during training sessions. This attitude makes him a top-class defender.

[I] How long did it take him to learn Russian?

[VM] I think it took him a week or two to be able to communicate with the rest of the team in Russian since it is similar to his native language [Slovakian].

[I] Is his character different on the pitch from the one off the pitch?

[VM] Yes. On the pitch he is hard – but not aggressive, whereas off the pitch he is a very modest and kind person.

[I] Do you remember your first meeting with Martin?

[VM] Yes, it was at Udelnyy Park [Zenit’s training ground]. Just as usual – first I spotted him in the hall – and then he was introduced to the team by the gaffer before a training session.

[I] Have you managed to talk to him during Euro-2012 Qualifiers?

[VM] Yes – just a little bit, exchanged a few words.

[I] Who were his best friends at Zenit?

[VM] Kamil Kamil Čontofalský and Radek Šírl. I think it’s because they were from former Czecho-Slovakia.

[I] What was team’s reaction when they heard that Liverpool FC were interested to sign Martin?

[VM] We were all delighted for him since it constituted a big step forwards in the career. And also, Zenit was a different team at that time [not as successful as it is now].

[I] Can you recall the funniest moment, related to Martin, during his time at Zenit?

[VM] No, not really. Not only because it was a long time ago, but also because he used to make fun of others rather than vice versa.

[I] Do you still keep in touch with Martin after his move to England?

[VM] Unfortunately, no. But I always watch his games when I have time.