Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday although he is short on time, he still has the opportunity to read books, watch football and listen to music.
During a live broadcast on three national television channels, the president was asked several questions about his personal interests and character.
When asked what he lacked, Medvedev answered immediately: "of course, freedom, free time."
"This is what you feel since the first minute of working in this position," he said, adding he usually goes to bed after 2.00 a.m. because he does not have enough time in the day to solve all the problems related to his work.
However, the president said, he still finds some 10-15 minutes a day to read books. Currently, he said, he is reading a book by the Russian historian of the late 18th - early 19th century, Vasily Kluchevsky. Among his favorite writers, the president named Germany's Erich Maria Remark.
Medvedev, who recently opened his personal blog on the Internet, said he also used the web to read books.
The president's family "handles normally" the "burden" of being relatives of the head of state, he said, adding facetiously "to my mind, they behave properly, they don't bother me."
Medvedev was also asked if he had changed since he became the Russian president. He answered positively and said the "particular responsibility" devolved upon his shoulders was the reason.
"But I hope I have not changed too much as a person," he added.
The president, who recently visited football matches between Russian and Slovenian teams, admitted that he likes football and "keeps a close eye" on key matches. He highly appreciated the contribution of Guus Hiddink to the improvement of Russian football, despite Russia's failure to make the 2010 World Cup after losing 1-0 in Slovenia in mid-November.
Hiddink took over as Russia coach in 2006 and led the side to the semi-finals of Euro 2008.
Speaking about his music preferences, Medvedev said he likes classic rock, but is also aware of the group Linkin Park, due to his 14-year-old son, Ilya, who prefers alternative music. Earlier, the president said his favorite music group was Deep Purple.
MOSCOW, December 24 (RIA Novosti)
