Ariclenes da Silva Ferreira (Russian: Арикленес да Силва Феррейра; born 11 December 1985), commonly known as Ari (Brazilian Portuguese: [aˈɾi]), is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Atletico Cearense. Born in Brazil, he represented the Russia national team.

Ari

Ari with Krasnodar in August 2016
Personal information
Full name	Ariclenes da Silva Ferreira
Date of birth	(1985-12-11) 11 December 1985 (age 36)
Place of birth	Fortaleza, Brazil
Height	1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s)	Striker
Club information
Current team	Atlético Cearense
Number	9
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2005–2006	Fortaleza	3	(0)
2006–2007	Kalmar FF	35	(18)
2007–2010	AZ Alkmaar	55	(18)
2010–2013	Spartak Moscow	89	(21)
2013–2021	Krasnodar	119	(38)
2017–2018	→ Lokomotiv Moscow (loan)	17	(7)
2022–	Atlético Cearense	0	(0)
National team‡
2018	Russia	2	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 1 May 2021 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 20 November 2018

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,[1] amassing one goal more than compatriot Afonso Alves had the previous season.

On 28 May 2007, Ari signed a five-year contract with AZ for an undisclosed fee.[2][1] 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.[3]

On 19 August 2013, he signed a three-year contract with FC Krasnodar.[4] He left Krasnodar after 8 seasons on 17 May 2021.[5]

International career

In 2016, after Kosovo's membership in UEFA and FIFA, Ari was offered a chance to play for the Kosovo national team by their coach, Albert Bunjaki. Coincidentally, he was also an assistant coach at Kalmar, Ari's former club. The offer was rejected by the Football Federation of Kosovo's president, Fadil Vokrri.[6]

In July 2017, Ari confirmed his desire to obtain Russian citizenship and represent the Russia national team at the 2018 World Cup.[7] However, the citizenship process was delayed and he received a Russian passport in July 2018.[8] On 12 November 2018, Ari was called up to the Russian squad for the first time for the friendly matches against Germany and Sweden.[9][10]

Personal life

As of now, Ari is one of three Brazilians who played for the Russian national team, the others being Guilherme Marinato and Mário Fernandes. He and Guilherme can speak Russian.

After Ari was called up to the Russian national team, Pavel Pogrebnyak said: "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".[11] Accused of racism, an investigation was subsequently launched, after which Pogrebnyak was fined and put on probation.

Career statistics

As of match played 11 March 2022[12][13]

Notes

Honours

Fortaleza

• Campeonato Cearense: 2005

Kalmar

• Svenska Cupen: 2007

AZ Alkmaar

• Eredivisie: 2008–09
• Johan Cruijff Shield: 2009

Krasnodar

• Russian Cup: runner-up 2013–14

Lokomotiv Moscow

• Russian Premier League: 2017–18
• Russian Cup: 2016–17

Individual

• Allsvenskan Top Scorer: 2006 (15 goals)

References

External links

• Voetbal International (in Dutch)
• Ari discussion (in Dutch)
• Ari signs for AZ
• Ari signs for AZ (in Dutch)

На других языках

[de] Ari (Fußballspieler)

[es] Ariclenes da Silva Ferreira

[fr] Ari (football)

[it] Ariclenes da Silva Ferreira

[ru] Ари (футболист)