Oleg Veretennikov Became the Second Volgograd Ambassador for the World Cup-2018

Oleg Veretennikov, Russian football legend and the best goalscorer in the history of Russian Championships, has been appointed as an ambassador of Volgograd for 2018 FIFA World Cup. The agreement between the football player and Vitaliy Likhachev, Vice-Governor of the Volgograd Region, was signed today.

It was signed within the context of the sports event day held at the Zenit Stadium to commemorate the start of registration of candidates for volunteer services for 2018 FIFA World Football Cup in Russia. Vitaliy Likhachev congratulated Oleg Veretennikov on this honourable role and emphasised that: “FIFA World Cup will give a significant impetus to the Volgograd Region development: construction of a new stadium and a set of infrastructure facilities as well as the reconstruction of sports grounds and modernisation of public transport is in progress.”

In response the football player promised “to honourably represent the city at the events associated with the preparation and staging of the World Cup.”

Right after the agreement signature Oleg Veretennikov participated in an exhibition game between the team of regional volunteer centers and the team of Volgograd celebrities.

“I did not hesitate long and accepted the offer immediately because it is a huge honour for me,” said Oleg Veretennikov. “I guess anyone would be proud to receive such a title. Being an ambassador I must take part in many events, aimed at promotion of football in Volgograd and the Volgograd Region. Football, sports, and healthy lifestyle – that is my motto as an ambassador.”

It should be reminded that earlier Yelena Isinbayeva, a famous track-and-field athlete and a two-time Olympic gold medallist, became the first ambassador of Volgograd for the World Cup-2018. The title of a World Cup ambassador may only be granted to merited professionals. Ambassadors must become a part of the team, encourage positive attitude, and promote sport culture, as well as Russia as a healthy nation in general and Volgograd in particular.

Mr. Veretennikov spent the most part of his career in Rotor, Volgograd, where he won two silver medals and one bronze medal at Russian Championships. At that time the team was considered to be one of the strongest in Russia and was able to compete with Spartak, Moscow, the Football Champion of Russia. He also became a finalist of the Intertoto Cup and the Cup of Russia as part of the club. Altogether, he scored a total amount of 143 goals at Russian championships, and this his record hasn’t been beaten so far. The second in the top goalscorer list of the national competitions is Alexander Kerzhakov, a forward player of Swiss Zurich (138 goals). Over the course of his career Mr. Veretennikov has scored a total amount of 207 goals: only two Russian football players have managed to score over 200 goals at different championships. Veretennikov played for Russian national team and participated in a non-official match against FIFA select team held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of football in Russia.