Striker Vadim Cricimari was eliminated from Zimbru. The team’s administration explained that the striker refused to play for the national football team, arguing that he suffered an injury, IPN reports.

Cricimari was to make his debut for the national team in the friendly against Lithuania on November 18. But the 25-year-old player informed the national squad’s coach Ion Caras that he sustained an injury and cannot play. However, before the match against Lithuania, the striker was able to play a game for his club team.

“Many wait to be called to the national squad all their life. If he played two days after he hurt himself, it means that something is wrong,” the director general of Zimbru Igor Oprea stated for a TV channel.

Cricimari admitted that he refused to play for the national team because he wanted to play in Russia’s championship. The striker has dual nationality and if he had played for the national squad of Moldova he would have been considered international in Russia. “I come from a poor family. That’s why I want to leave,” said Cricimari.

Vadim Cricimari scored two goals in the 15 matches played for Zimbru this season. Over the last few days, the team trained by the Belarusian coach Oleg Kubarev parted from another five players.