The Russian Premier League is set to go from strength to strength, attracting more global football stars like Roberto Carlos and Samuel Eto’o along the way, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Saturday.
Earlier this month, Russian champions Zenit St. Petersburg smashed the country’s transfer record with an €80 million double swoop for Brazil striker Hulk and Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel.
“Definitely it is interesting and it will attract players from all over the world,” Blatter said in televised comments when asked about the Russian Premier League’s growth.
Three-time Champions League winner Eto’o’s transfer to Russian side Anzhi showed the league’s strength, he added.
“There will always be great players in Russia.”
Hosting the World Cup in 2018 will be a “stimulus” for Russia’s domestic game, he added.
The 11 host cities for the World Cup are to be announced later Saturday.
