Russian - Nigerian defender Brian Idowu has revealed that he had to depart Premier League side Zenith St Petersburg for pastures new after he was advised by his agent.

The 22 - year - old would have become the first coloured player to turn out for the four - time Russian champions if he did not part company with the Petrovsky Stadium outfit in 2010.

“When still at the academy, I was encouraged, saying, come on, buddy, become the first black Zenith player. When I grew up, there were some rumours.

“Then I got an agent who began to hint exactly that it would be hard for me to get into Zenith. And then said directly that the club has a policy (of not signing black players).

“By the time I myself began to realize what was happening and went to Amkar, ”Brian Idowu explained to Soviet Sport.

Born to a Nigerian father and a Russian mom, Idowu has suited up just once for Amkar Perm in the Premier League this term compared to last season that he played 25 matches for First Division side Dinamo St Petersburg.

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