Russian goal keeper, Mike Antamanov has an interesting back story to his Futsal career. Before venturing to New Zealand, Antamanov played Futsal for two years for a company he worked for in his home country.

He then found himself squaring up in the Futsal National League for Auckland as a goal keeperin 2016 and then in 2017 Antamanov and the Futsal National League side achieved an astonishing semi-final finish.

Antamanov plays in the East City Futsal League throughout the year and played out impressive performances to earn his place in the AFF Futsal National League side for 2018.

Here are five things to know about AFF goal keeper, Mike Antamanov:

Antamanov knows what “Cold” means

Born in Soviet Russia, Antamanov says he remembers when the Soviet Union collapsed. His home town is placed in the middle of Siberia and states “I know what Cold means”. The coldest temperature the AFF keeper has experience was -46°. “New Zealand for me is like a tropical country” – Antamanov.

He came to New Zealand three years ago

Entering the country three years ago, Antamanov admits he is still learning about New Zealand and the culture of the country. “The thing that impressed me the most was the calmness and openness of the people in New Zealand.” - Antamanov

Antamanov worked as a School Science teacher for three months

Antamanov has a master’s degree in physics and used his qualification to teach students in Russia for three months. Since entering the country, Antamanov says he might return to a job in Physics once his Futsal career comes to an end.

He worked in a secret factory underground in Russia

In a closed off site, with no public access in Siberia, Antamanov worked in a secret nuclear waste disposal facility 30 meters beneath the surface, which was established in 1950. The keeper played for the facility's Futsal team for two years.

He became a goal keeper because he hates running

Playing Futsal for first time at the age of 11, Antamanov played as an outfield player, but towards the end of the season, he became so tired and decided to play in goal. “I never regretted my choice.” – Antamanov.

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Article added: Wednesday 31 October 2018