the head of the Russian basketball Federation (RBF), a former overseas player of the National basketball Association (NBA) Andrei Kirilenko admitted that he has a US passport
the Press service of the President of Russia
the head of the Russian basketball Federation (RBF), a former overseas player of the National basketball Association (NBA) Andrei Kirilenko admitted that he has a US passport. The document gives the official the opportunity to feel comfortable – “comfortable with him”.
“I took a passport with one simple goal – he’s more comfortable. Easier to travel, to live in this country. Yes, my children go to school in America. I was in the States for 15 years. There are plenty of domestic issues that are easier to solve with citizenship than with visa. But if I was stipulated that, getting a US passport, should I give up on Russian, I would never dare,” – said Kirilenko in an interview with “Big sports”.
Earlier, U.S. passport found at one of the leaders of the national team of Russia on hockey Evgeny Malkin, competing in overseas National hockey League (NHL). This has caused confusion among some of his countrymen of the famous hockey player, including well-known politicians.
“Seen a story with Malkin – and for me it is very insulting! Man so much energy, health and time have given to my country and national team of Russia, and after that egon one document, ready to mix with the dirt, dashing all the achievements. This document just gives you the opportunity to feel comfortable in the place where he lives and works. And it doesn’t make him a traitor, a spy. And those who believe otherwise, I simply mind. Otherwise, as chumps, I will not name them,” – said Kirilenko.
Andrei Kirilenko from 2001 to 2014 he played for clubs NBA “Utah jazz”, “Minnesota Timberwolves” and “Brooklyn nets”. In the Russian team he won the gold medal at the European championship and became the bronze medalist of the Olympic games.
