Raptors sign Russian Goalkeeper Ilia Kozlov

Meet our new Raptors Men's Shot-stopper - By Simona Lebánková

How did you get to Prague Raptors ?

Before moving to Prague, I started searching for a random Czech football team on Facebook and the quirk of the fate led me to the page of Prague Raptors. Then I checked out the website of the team, after that wrote to Jon who readdressed me to Daz… and here I am.

What is your favourite football team?

We are purple,

We are white,

We f…..ing dynamite

Megamuzhiki!

Megamuzhiki - my top football team (to be fair, at the same level as Prague Raptors). It has been my family on and off the pitch for so long and it still remains as such. We've got through different times, experienced ups and downs, won trophies and been sometimes severely humiliated (my first appearance ended up with the final score 1-9 or so…). So much to remember!

How did you gain your football experience?

I was a part of some Russian football academies till the age of 17 when it became clear for me that professional sport in Russia is able to exist even without me, so I switched my attention to studying. Then I went on playing football at university as an outfield player, however eventually I got back to the goal.

What do you do in your free time? (what do you enjoy)

Camping, reading, filming, writing.

5 Questions with Ilia

Ronaldo or Messi?

Messi

Beach or Mountains?

Both

Beer or Wine?

None

Leader or Follower?

Leader

Premier League or Champions League?