Former Lokomotiv pillar hangs up his boots

Today, one of the pillars of the golden era of Lokomotiv Moscow (2000-2005), Sergey Gurenko, decided to hang up his boots thus bringing to an end a glittering career which spanned over 20 years. Despite being a midst of the Belarusian football season, Gurenko decided to retire so he could focus completly on his managing post at Dynamo Kiev. The whole cycle started when Dynamo Minsk parted company with former Lokomotiv specialist Slavoljub Muslin. Soon Gurenko entered the fray and was tought to be the frontrunner to take over the vacant post. However at that time Sergey showed his wish to continue his playing career and thus was appointed as a playing coach while relatively unknown Kirill Alshevskiy was appointed as head coach of Dynamo Minsk. However barely three weeks have passed and Sergey went against his initial decision and decided to retire, thus taking over the Alshevskiy as head coach in the process.

Sergey Gurenko, a very versatile defender who was able to play on either right and left flank and even as a defensive midfielder started his career with hometown club Neman Grodno. After making neraly 200 appearances for them over 6 years, Gurenko left Belarus for a completly new adventure with Lokomotiv Moscow. In four years Gurenko cemented his place at Lokomotiv and his consistent solid performances not only led him to be acknowledged as the Belarusian Player of the Year (1999) but also earned him a dream move to A.S. Roma. After failing to establish himself in the Italian capital, making only 7 appearances in a season, Gurenko moved to Spain for Real Zaragoza. Unfortunately he failed to adapt in Spain and thus after a year left the Spanish Penisula to return to Italia with Parma. His journeyman-like career continued with a yet another transfer, this time to Piacenza. After only a season with the Italian outfit, Gurenko decided to turn back to the club where he made his name; Lokomotiv Moscow. During his five year stint in the capital, Gurenko not only won the only league of his career but his never say die attitude and impressing leadership skills made him a huge fan favourite. Actually last year, despite being 35 years of age was chosen as the player of the year by the Lokomotiv fans. At the turn of the year, Gurenko decided to return to his homeland and joined Dynamo Minsk, a transfer which proved to be the last of his playing career. In his last year Gurenko wore the light blue shirt 15 times. Recall that Gurenko made over 250 league appearances for Lokomotiv.

Furthermore Gurenko had the honour to captain his national side on some occasions. After making 80 appeareances for Belarus and becoming the most capped player of all time, in late 2005 Gurenko announced his retirement from international football. Moreover on July 2006, Gurenko passed the milestone of 500 games at the highest level and thus listing his name in the elite club of Sergey Alenikov.

Lokomotiv will never forget you!!

All the best for the future Gurenko!!!