Coronavirus: Malcom accepts Zenit award from cat-scaring drone, Arshavin hands out food parcels

John Skilbeck
April 10, 2020 14:36 MYT
Brazilian forward Malcom received his Zenit 'Player of the Month' award by air mail - a drone delivering the prize to his first-floor flat and terrifying his cat.

The former Corinthians, Bordeaux and Barcelona player won up the accolade but could not be handed the trophy - a white, mounted football boot - in person because of the coronavirus lockdown.

Zenit found an original method of getting the award to Malcom, by fastening it to a powerful drone that came in through Malcom's window, prompting his ginger cat to scarper for cover.

"I've just received a message that I need to open a window," Malcom said in a video that showed the unusual presentation.

He watched as the drone landed in his living room, before observing: "It’s powerful."

Taking the boot trophy, Malcom, 23, said: "I want to thank all the fans of FC Zenit for voting, thanks for voting for me.

"I am very happy."

He added: "Stay at home. It is important."

A special message from Malcom #StayHome pic.twitter.com/244bH5EHAY

— FC Zenit in English (@fczenit_en) April 10, 2020
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Zenit are also being supportive to their older and disabled supporters during St Petersburg's lockdown period.

They teamed up with a delivery company to issue food parcels to fans, with former Zenit and Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin wearing protective clothing as he helped out on Friday.

Andrey Arshavin is doing his bit! #StayHome https://t.co/jRKHHILpoI

— FC Zenit in English (@fczenit_en) April 10, 2020
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#Zenit #football #Malcom Filipe Silva de Oliveira #Andrey Arshavin