Former Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov 'summoned' by Russia to fight in war in Ukraine
Former Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has been summoned to the Russian army to fight in Ukraine, according to reports
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has been summoned to the Russian army to fight in Ukraine, according to the former Everton midfielder's father.
Bilyaletdinov joined Everton in 2009 from Lokomotiv Moscow for £9m and scored nine goals in 77 appearances for the Blues before he departed the club in 2012 to return to Russia and join Spartak Moscow. His goal against Manchester United in February 2010, in a 3-1 victory at Goodison Park, would be the prominent highlight of his time on Merseyside.
But now the 37-year-old's life seems to have taken a drastic shift. Russian president Vladimir Putin last week announced the mobilisation of military reservists, which could lead to 300,000 males up to the age of 35 being drafted into action in Russia's war in Ukraine. And according to Bilyaletdinov's father, his son is one of those who has now been summoned for military service, despite being over 35.
READ MORE: Frank Lampard should prepare for major Everton change with squad balance set to shift
READ MORE: Everton issue Nathan Patterson injury update and potential recovery timeline
Rinat Bilyaletdinov announced the news in an interview with Sport24, saying: “Diniyar really received a summons. It’s hard to talk about emotions, because he didn’t serve, although he did military service, but it was specific, with a sports bias. That was 19 years ago. That is, yes, he took the oath, but served in the sports line.
“The law still says – to call people up to 35 years old, and he is 37, so there is some kind of inconsistency. Now it will be found out whether this agenda is correct or it was sent early. Anything can happen.
“If there was a general mobilisation, then ask questions in the meantime, the president has established a partial one, everything should be in accordance with the law.”
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov was part of the Russian national side that secured a third-place finish at Euro 2008 after being defeated by Spain in the semi-finals. In total, he played 46 times for his country, during a seven-year span, and scored six goals.
READ MORE:
- Frank Lampard should prepare for major Everton change with squad balance set to shift
- Everton forward Salomon Rondon pays emotional tribute to late father after Venezuela goal
- Frank Lampard gets glimpse into Everton future after behind-the-scenes evolution
- 'Ten times more' - Conor Coady makes 'massive' Everton admission after Wolves move
- Everton quiet revolution is getting loud and new signing from Kevin Thelwell proves it