Neustädter gets Russian passport ahead of Euro
The 28-year-old Schalke player has already played two international friendlies for Germany
Earlier this month, President Vladimir Putin decreed that Roman Neustädter be granted Russian citizenship. PHOTO: AFP
MOSCOW:
Twice-capped Germany international Roman Neustädter has received a Russian passport allowing the defender to play for the country at the Euro, a post on the national team's Twitter site announced on Monday.
The Twitter site posted a picture of the 28-year-old Schalke player holding up his new Russian passport at Russia's Consulate in Bonn.
Neustädter -- who was born in the Ukrainian city of Dnipropetrovsk during the Soviet era -- has played two international friendlies for Germany, but that did not compromise his eligibility to play for Russia.
Uncapped Kimmich, Brandt make Germany's Euro 2016 squad
Earlier this month, President Vladimir Putin decreed that Neustädter be granted Russian citizenship.
Russian manager Leonid Slutsky has included Neustädter on his 23-man squad for the European Championship which gets underway in France on June 10.
The squad also includes Brazilian-born goalkeeper Guilherme of Lokomotiv Moscow, who received Russian citizenship last year.
Euro 2016: France will regret snubbing Benzema, Ben Arfa, says Cantona
Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko said in January that the country was working to grant Neustädter a passport but that the process was not simple.
Russia, the host nation for the 2018 World Cup, have been drawn alongside England, Wales and Slovakia in Group B for Euro 2016.
Diego Costa omitted from Spain Euro 2016 squad
Russia will play pre-tournament friendlies against the Czech Republic on June 1 before facing Serbia four days later.
Twice-capped Germany international Roman Neustädter has received a Russian passport allowing the defender to play for the country at the Euro, a post on the national team's Twitter site announced on Monday.
The Twitter site posted a picture of the 28-year-old Schalke player holding up his new Russian passport at Russia's Consulate in Bonn.
Neustädter -- who was born in the Ukrainian city of Dnipropetrovsk during the Soviet era -- has played two international friendlies for Germany, but that did not compromise his eligibility to play for Russia.
Uncapped Kimmich, Brandt make Germany's Euro 2016 squad
Earlier this month, President Vladimir Putin decreed that Neustädter be granted Russian citizenship.
Russian manager Leonid Slutsky has included Neustädter on his 23-man squad for the European Championship which gets underway in France on June 10.
The squad also includes Brazilian-born goalkeeper Guilherme of Lokomotiv Moscow, who received Russian citizenship last year.
Euro 2016: France will regret snubbing Benzema, Ben Arfa, says Cantona
Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko said in January that the country was working to grant Neustädter a passport but that the process was not simple.
Russia, the host nation for the 2018 World Cup, have been drawn alongside England, Wales and Slovakia in Group B for Euro 2016.
Diego Costa omitted from Spain Euro 2016 squad
Russia will play pre-tournament friendlies against the Czech Republic on June 1 before facing Serbia four days later.