"[I decided to go vegan] three and a half years ago. At first, I approached it from a scientific standpoint. However, I then came to have some ethical views about this diet. I love happy, living animals! … There are so many [benefits]. First, I no longer eat the suffering and pain of defenceless animals. Secondly, my body has become lighter, so to say “clearer”. Thirdly, in my profession, flexibility and elasticity are incredibly important, and I increased both of these. And fourthly, now I almost never suffer from a cold or flu."

"CSKA is one big family. Honestly, I'm very lucky being in that club."

"When you want to stick to the highest level, there is no time for fun."

"I was so glad to get my first boots that for a few days I didn't take them off. I wore them to school, to visit people, and simply to walk on the street."

"Dzagoev doesn't like pathos, and that's a very positive thing."

"Dzagoev plays football not for fame and money, but because, football is his life. It is rare today that a victory is more important for a player, then the prize-money for it. But Alan - is exactly that case."

"About Alan I'll emphasize one important trait. He was wonderfully brought up by his parents, and for that I would like to thank them myself, and as I think, in the name of the entire Russian football. Another important thing, is that Alan is very hard-working and modest."

"The difference in class and experience between my opponent and me was obviously huge. But this is a final so I had to expect a fierce fight from my opponent and that’s exactly what happened""

"So, life is like, again, an icy ladder. So, when you climb up, you have to be really, really energetic or you won’t be able to climb up ‘cause you slip and fall down."