A midfield dynamo with Manchester United, Kanchelskis was a well-travelled footballer, applying his trade in various countries around the world. Take a look below at some of the best quotes on Andrei Kanchelskis by former colleagues.
When signing for United in 1991 he was a virtual unknown. However, manager Alex Ferguson had faith in the half-a-million-pound-plus winger.
Playing in the first ever season of the Premier League in 1992/93, he was one of the key players in the success, and was a settled member of the side when they won the double the following year. Not only was he the club’s leading goalscorer in the 1994/95 season, but he also scored a hat-trick against close rivals Manchester City.
Disagreements with the manager saw a move to Merseyside club Everton, where he stayed for a couple of seasons. His latter playing days were spent in Russia, and he also represented the Soviet Union/Russia international teams.
His dribbling skills and swift movement was admired by his fellow players. After retirement, he managed a host of teams. He is the only footballer to have scored in each of the three big British football derbies, for Manchester United versus Manchester City, for Everton versus Liverpool, and for Rangers versus Celtic.
“the most skilful player I managed…..He was an awesome talent, Andrei.” Joe Royle
“…..as with most maestros, but he is a quality coach, a good tactician…..” Alan Moore (on coming to the UK to manage)
“…..the best in the world.” Claudio Ranieri
“…..just too good a player not to have a club.” Gordon Strachan (Southampton manager)
“…..when he is on the ball you can just see he is a good player…..he’s just a top quality player and he seems a good lad.” Steve Coppell
“…..an outstanding success.” Alex Ferguson (on player’s debut season)
“…..with Andrei because he was so quick…..he was so good he would then would cut inside and smash in a goal with his left foot…..In his first year at Everton Andrei was outstanding.” Craig Short (fellow Everton player)
“…..He hasn’t lost any of his skills ….he is very fit and he is a good professional.” Gordon Strachan
“I knew he was a great player.” Alex Ferguson
“He looks a very, very good player – a very committed trainer.” Steve Coppell (Brighton & Hove Albion boss)
“He has played with some of the world’s best players…..He has a great attitude and a good appetite for the game.” Gordon Strachan
“…..he did fantastically well for me.” Joe Royle (Manchester City manager)
“…..his attitude was fantastic.” Alex McLeish (Rangers manager)
“…..many Evertonians put him in their best ever Everton team.” Joe Royle