Denisov refused Hiddink´s Euro 2008 invitation (SN)

Russia's coach Guus Hiddink said Monday that Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Igor Denisov had rejected his ivitation to join his squad in their preparations for the European championship's finals.

“I invited Denisov to join our team in our preparations for the Euro-2008 finals but he has refused,” Hiddink said.

“It's his decision and we have to respect it. I'm not set to invite anybody else. We need to avoid any negative elements in our preparations for the final stage.”

Press reports said that Denisov was offended after he was not included in Hiddink's pre-selection, which was announced on May 14.

After the UEFA Cup final, which Zenit won 2-0 with Denisov scoring the winning goal, Hiddink phoned the midfielder to invite him to join the national side but Denisov refused.