Denis Cheryshev is one of the cornerstones of the Russian national team, and shone for his country in the recent World Cup held in his homeland by scoring four goals. The Valencia CF player returns to Russia this week for the Europa League second leg against FC Krasnodar, and is someone whom the locals are keen to get pictures with and autographs from.

Before this evening's match (Kickoff 6:55pm CET), he chatted to VCF Media.

"After the World Cup, football is more well loved in Russia. I feel more well loved too, but this Thursday isn't about making friends: The important thing is to win," Cheryshev said.

"After the result from the first leg, we want to go out there to win. FC Krasnodar are a side who can cause you problems; they have very good players, they knocked out Bayer Leverkusen in the previous round and I'm sure that they will be tough opponents, as we saw at Mestalla."

"Step by step, we can go far in this competition. It's a very important game and we want to get as far along as possible," he added.

"This stadium is one of the best in the country, but we have to focus on what happens on the pitch, which is the important thing. As for the VCF supporters who have come here, Valencia CF are a club known worldwide, and wherever we go the fans are with us."

Cheryshev is a candidate to form part of the starting lineup in the match.