Argentinian football icon applies for a Russian passport

Benjamin Garre has signed a contract with Russia’s Krylia Sovetov for three and a half years

Argentinian professional soccer player Benjamin Garre has declared his intention to apply for Russian citizenship just months after signing a contract with the Krylia Sovetov club based in the Russian city of Samara.

The 22-year-old left winger first told the club's director, Sergey Kornilenko, about his plans, the Match TV sports channel reported this week. In an interview with Match, Garre confirmed his intention. "I might spend many years in this country. I've only been here a month, but I'm already feeling great!" he said.

"I want to get a [Russian] passport, and I am ready to spend many years in Russia," he added. Last week, his agent, Emilio Champion, told Match TV that he was helping the player get all the necessary documents for Russian citizenship.

"We are still gathering all the necessary papers... That will take some time to fulfill all the [Russian] government requirements," Champion said. Earlier, Champion also explained that Garre was likely to give up his Argentinian citizenship to get the Russian passport.

Garre is the grandson of the 1986 FIFA World Cup winner, Oscar Garre, and has represented Argentina at junior level, winning bronze at the 2015 U15 South American Championship.

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In 2018, the player signed with the English club Manchester City. In 2020, he returned to Argentina and joined Racing Club de Avellaneda before moving to Club Atletico Huracan on loan. In January, Garre moved to Krylia Sovetov Samara on a €1.75 million ($1.92 million) transfer.