Delvin Ndinga: ‘I will have another chance to play against Zenit’

Lokomotiv’s summer signing Delvin Ndinga has sat for an interview with the club’s Press Service. The Congolese international midfielder has been loaned to the Railwaymen with an option of sealing a permanent move.

- First emotions? I am happy that my future has been defined and that serious work has started. Compared to the European calendar, Lokomotiv got back from vacation early but they still look solid, - says Ndinga.

- Are you ready to play against Zenit in the SuperCup fixture?

- I have yet to gain form. I used to play against Zenit in 2010 at Auxerre. I remember that feeling: Zenit were stronger, Auxerre were an average team but still we managed to win. I will have another chance to play against them in the regular championship. Now I wish my new teammates to win the Supercup.

- Usually the African players are asked about how they were discouraged from going to Russia…

- Lokomotiv was my volition. There had been many advises. Some people told me that it’s not easy to adapt in Russia, but I will do my best to show quality. By the way my Congo national team partner Christopher Samba praised the Russian League. He said that Lokomotiv was a great option, and that we would be friends in Moscow and fight for the highest standings. The only difference is that my team will play in the Europa League.

- You have won a lot of titles recently…

- Yes, Monaco topped Ligue 2, Olimpiakos claimed two League titles and a Cup. All of my teams have been doing well, and I hope Lokomotiv will do well too. By the way, I watched a movie about Lokomotiv’s victory in the Russian Cup. I know the team are on the winning spree and are working with a good mood.

- Why did you choose number 88?

- My favourite number is 8 but it has been taken. I chose 88 - it is also the year of my birth.

- Tell us about your family.

- My wife and son will come to Moscow. The son’s four. I hope we will have friends here. Several players at Lokomotiv speak French - this makes things easier for us.