Ari (footballer, born 1985)


Ariclenes da Silva Ferreira, commonly known as Ari, is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Russian club Krasnodar and Russia. Born in Brazil, he naturalized as a Russian and represents the Russia national football team.
He started his professional career in 2005 with his hometown club Fortaleza, and signed for Swedish club Kalmar one year later. After two and a half seasons in AZ Alkmaar, he played in the Russian Premier League for Spartak Moscow, Krasnodar, and Lokomotiv Moscow.

Club career

Having joined Allsvenskan team Kalmar FF in spring 2006, Ari was the top scorer in the Allsvenskan 2006 with 15 goals, amassing one goal more than compatriot Afonso Alves had the previous season.
In 28 May 2007, Ari signed a five-year contract with AZ for an undisclosed fee. At Alkmaar he struggled to force his way into the first team on a regular basis, but he did win the 2008–09 Eredivisie.
In January 2010 Ari was transferred to Spartak Moscow for €3 million.
On 19 August 2013 he signed a three-year contract with FC Krasnodar.

International career

He indicated that he would play for Russia national football team. On 26 July 2018, he announced that he received Russian citizenship. On 12 November 2018, he was called up to the Russia squad for the first time for games against Germany and Sweden, making his debut in the friendly against Germany.

Personal life

Ari is one of three Brazilians who play for the Russian national team, the others being Guilherme Marinato and Mário Fernandes. He and Guilherme can speak Russian.
Former Russia international striker Pavel Pogrebnyak was accused of racism, including by government officials, for saying "I don't see the point of this. I do not understand at all why Ari received a Russian passport. It is laughable when a black player represents the Russian national side". An investigation was subsequently launched, after which he was fined and put on probation.

Career statistics

Honours

;Fortaleza
;Kalmar
;AZ Alkmaar
;Krasnodar
;Lokomotiv Moscow
;Individual