 On 15 December 2009 he moved to FC Zenit St. Petersburg for €4.5 million but returned to Dynamo the next season.He was selected to play for the Russian national football team at the 2002 World Cup, but he did not manage to prevent a disappointing performance as he was played out of position on the left of midfield.He took a part at Euro 2004, but the tournament was a disappointment for him again.