Wednesday, 5th December, 2012
Hulk has threatened to leave Zenit St. Petersburg in next month’s transfer window if the club’s board do not resolve his situation with manager Luciano Spalletti.
The Brazilian striker was substituted by Spalletti in the second half of the Champions League clash against AC Milan, with Zenit leading 1-0 at the San Siro; the Russian champions ultimately won the match 1-0.
Hulk was furious about being pulled off the pitch and wasted little time in announcing his displeasure to the press post-match.
"I am very happy in St. Petersburg and my family is also happy in Russia, but I have a problem with the manager", said the striker, who only signed for Zenit from FC Porto during the summer.
"The Zenit board have to resolve the problem with the manager as soon as possible.
"Otherwise, I will leave in January."
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Spalletti though was in no mood to be dictated to by Hulk, despite the striker’s superstar status, and blasted back that he is staying put at the club.
The Italian, who has led Zenit to the last two Russian Premier League titles, also openly speculated on Hulk’s future in St. Petersburg.
"I am the manager and I can arrange substitutions", said Spalletti.
"If I decide to change a player, it is probably because I am not completely satisfied with his performance.
"I don’t know if Hulk will remain in St. Petersburg for the second part of the season, but I will stay here for sure."
Hulk’s contract with Zenit runs until 2017. He cost the Russian giants around €40M.
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