"There is no question that Roman helped me," Smertin says, "but he did not just buy me to get me out of France at all costs. Claudio Ranieri [the manager of Chelsea] also liked me as a player and was part of the negotiations that brought me here."Still, the Russian connection must have played its part. "Of course," Smertin admits, "because Roman had watched me play and wanted me to join his club But that is not strange. Many chairmen suggest players to their managers."So has Smertin seen Abramovich since he moved to England? "Yes, several times," he says. "I think that part of the confusion has come from the fact that I was supposed to be going back to Russia, but then suddenly came to England."Smertin is referring to events in July, when Alexander Mamut, the head of Troika Dialog Group and a close business ally of Abramovich, began talks to take over Torpedo Moscow He wanted to sign Smertin and build a new team around him.
Conspiracy theorists would love there to be a sinister explanation for the Russian's arrival, but perhaps we should accept that there is not one. It says much about his openness and generosity that he invited this journalist for a traditional Russian lunch at his Port Solent flat the day after his eighth wedding anniversary. I'm very optimistic, so I guess one of the two sides will look silly after the two ties."On meeting him, it is clear that Smertin is far too kind and straightforward a man to be hiding any dark secrets. The first leg is on Saturday, with the return game four days later at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff Smertin is desperate to be fit.
"These are the two most important matches in Russia's recent history," the international captain says. "We want to prove ourselves as a nation and that's why the chance of playing in those games is spurring me on to make a quick recovery."Perhaps it is no surprise that Smertin, who is often referred to as Marathon Man, should be a fierce competitor "I hear that Wales feel they got a good draw," he says "Well, it's funny, because that's how we feel too. Early indications suggested that the injury would keep him out until December, but he has resumed light training and left for Moscow on Friday.No, he has not been banished there by Harry Redknapp, but is in fact preparing for the Euro 2004 play-off against Wales. I think that after a year with Portsmouth I will be ready for the challenges at Chelsea."Smertin adds: "Very few Russians have ever played, let alone succeeded, in England, so it is sensible not to rush. By coming to Portsmouth for 12 months, I am learning the Premiership trade and, most importantly of all, playing on a weekly basis." Well, almost. Smertin has been injured for the last three weeks, having limped out of Portsmouth's home game against Charlton with what turned out to be a damaged cartilage in a knee. "It is good for Chelsea because they have so many new players trying to find their feet," he says as we settle down for a bowl of borsch, a traditional Russian soup that his wife has prepared, "and it is good for me because it allows me the time to adapt to the country and the style of football.
