Artemi Panarin meets with Russian Olympic team officials; talks about what was discussed

If there was any doubt that Artemi Panarin would be willing to play for Russia at the Olympics, or whether the team wanted him there, this should put it to rest. Panarin has revealed in an interview in his home country that he's already met with team officials to discuss his participation at the Olympic Games in February.

"In October, I met with Alexei Zhamnov, Ilya Kovalchuk and Sergei Gonchar," Panarin told R-Sport. "They told me that we should not play for ourselves, but for our country. That everyone, regardless of their position on the team, should do their job one hundred percent. There shouldn't be a situation where a player comes in thinking about individual statistics - goals and assists."

"Yes, winning the Olympics is every hockey player's dream, but I try to think less about Beijing," added Panarin. "I don't want to burn out. I play better when I approach tournaments and matches with a cool head. I play for my country, that's why I take on a completely different responsibility. The main thing is to stay injury-free."

There were some questions regarding Panarin's involvement with Russia at the Olympics as he has been an outspoken detractor of President Vladimir Putin, something that doesn't sit well with many in his home country. There was also the issue of Panarin being accused of assaulting a young woman in Belarus in 2011 by his former KHL coach, and Putin supporter, Andrei Nazarov. Nazarov's claims were unfounded and it is widely believed Panarin's statements on Putin caused Nazarov to go after him.

Despite the fact that he doesn't care for Putin, Panarin clearly loves his home country of Russia.

Source: Championat

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