The 'Kalinka' Trend on the Galatasaray Stands and Batrakov

A new trend has started on the Galatasaray stands. The 'Kalinka' melodies, which shake the stands, have replaced the song 'Aşkın Olayım'. Fans have taken a liking to the blond-haired newcomer on the pitch.

Hürriyet sports columnist Ufuk Kaan Karacan wrote about Russian star Batrakov, one of Galatasaray's biggest goal threats in recent times. According to Karacan, the player drops back to support the defense, presses relentlessly and drives his team forward. In this respect, he is seen as the new Mertens that Galatasaray has been looking for.

Batrakov does not come from a wealthy football family. His family lives in the town of Orehovo-Zuyevo, while training takes place in Moscow. His mother Anna works at an advertising agency during the day and spends her evenings doing laundry and ironing. Because of her son's passion for football, the family travels five days a week. Anna later told Russian journalists that she had broken many shoe heels on these trips.

Batrakov was discovered at the advertising agency where his mother worked. Agency employee Filimonov noticed the natural touch in the feet of 4-year-old Aleksey while the boy was passing a ball made of stretch film. After convincing the family, Filimonov introduced the boy to coach Aleksandr Zuyev. Zuyev initially said he was 'too small', but a two-hour training session was enough. Because of the headed goals he scored in the youth ranks, he earned the nickname '2. Kat'. Victor Osimhen also praised Batrakov's play on the pitch.