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Denisov says no to EURO role

FC Zenit St. Petersburg's UEFA Cup final hero Igor Denisov has turned down the chance to join Russia's provisional UEFA EURO 2008™ squad as they begin preparations.

Igor Denisov celebrates his UEFA Cup final opener
Igor Denisov celebrates his UEFA Cup final opener ©Getty Images

Zenit request
The midfielder scored his team's opener in the 2-0 victory against Rangers FC at the City of Manchester Stadium, having already attracted the attention of national team coach Guus Hiddink. "We spoke to Zenit's coaching staff about him a few days before the UEFA Cup final, but they asked us not to mention his name in order to keep him focused on the match," said the Dutchman.

'It's disappointing'
"After the final, we called again, but Denisov said 'no, thank you'. It is a pity but it's his decision and I respect it. Every player is free to decide whether he will play for the national team or not. It's disappointing he is not with us, but it's not a problem for me because I like working with those who want to be here." Hiddink's men open their Group D campaign against Spain on 10 June, before facing European champions Greece and Sweden.

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