Language my barrier to settling fully at Zenit: Hulk

Moscow - Brazilian forward Hulk feels “fantastic” at new club Zenit St. Petersburg but has said that the language barrier is causing “certain difficulties” as he adapts to life in Russia.

Hulk has scored twice in four appearances since joining from Porto in a 40 million euros deal earlier this month, and the 26-year-old lauded the moral backing he has received from his teammates and the club as a whole so far.

“I think in time I will adapt, but of course the fact that they speak another language in Russia creates certain difficulties. Even so, I feel fantastic with the team.

“I’m happy to play for Zenit.”

The high wages he has commanded with fellow new addition Axel Witsel has caused ructions in the team, with stalwart midfielder Igor Denisov axed from the first team for issuing a pay rise ultimatum after they arrived.

But Hulk said he felt no animosity in the dressing room.

“I feel the support of absolutely every member of the team, I’m trying to adapt to the team and to St. Petersburg in general as fast as possible,” he said.

Hulk scored his first goal in the surprise 2-2 draw against league strugglers Krylya Sovetov last week, and hit a second Tuesday night in the 2-1 Russian Cup win over second-tier side Baltika.

A crossbar-rattling shot aside, Hulk was fairly anonymous in the 0-3 Champions League defeat to Malaga earlier this month.

Zenit face AC Milan Oct 3, before which they play Lokomotiv Moscow in the Russian Premier League on Saturday.