http://www.championat.ru/other/article-40213.html27.09.2009.Zakarian: earlier in Zhenya's was youthful maximalismArarat Zakarian - a man known in the world of figure skating. In the past - the skater of the Soviet national team. Now - producer of ice shows and agent Evgeni's Plushenko. Do not take this opportunity and do not talk with this famous person, would be a crime. Especially, since we met at the Nebelhorn Trophy.
- Ari, about the return of Evgeni talked a lot, but even in the summer, few believed in it. When you believe, that "comeback" is really possible?
- In April, during last year's tour, which we organized together with violinist Edvin Marton. When I saw Evgeni, how in one show makes six triple axels, then I realized that he was determined to return to the amateur sports.
- If you argue with a cool head, as an athlete in Zhenya has it all. Olympic gold, the other major titles. Many wonder, why that him?
- I know Zhenya's already 13 years, shared with him and happy moments and bad moments, lived his every victory, as my own. I can say, that such act - in his character. He is a unique person, extra-gifted. Genius of its kind. It was evident, that Zhenya's eager to compete again, that him lacks struggle. Olympics - a serious stimulus, a serious challenge.
- Do you want to say, that no one helped to Evgeni's take the decision? For instance, Russian Federation of figure skating, no doubt, was keen to back, such a strong athlete.
- Russian's single skaters, of course, weakly look on his background. And, although Evgeni is not explicitly mentioned this, I think, the situation in the national team has one more reason, to return and restore Russian figure skating, to worthy position. He is a patriot, a true, sincere. But force him, not could nobody. Plushenko is not such a man. Although, I know that his wife had played an important role in this decision. Supported her husband.
- To you now, work with Plushenko is perhaps interesting, but difficult.
- There are such moments. Here, at the Nebelhorn Trophy, as soon as I appear, by views I immediately felt: "Well, well, let's..." Mindset visible - many not well-intentioned. People, who do not want to Plushenko returned. Do not want to see a strong Russian's national team. But we now this ignore. My task as an agent - the maximum professionalism. Working hours - 24 hours a day.
- The other side of such fame - the name, under which you can put on a show.
- Yes, and we've been doing this past few years. The most successful tour was last year. In Prague, doing three shows a year. Madonna, after one concert, have a break of three years. And we have - three in one year, and all - sold out, for each - tickets is completely sold out. So what the brand "Plushenko" is gaining momentum with each passing year. Standing ovations for 10 minutes every night, no kidding. After the Olympics, we plan to make a new tour with the best figure skaters. In particular, by the way, with the main competitors of Zhenya's, who have already given the nod to participate.
- About the new plans would like to hear more.
- Start going to tour in Switzerland, immediately after the Olympics. Those skaters, who will go to the Championship of the World, not take part, they will join later. And already, in the second part of the tour, we will definitely been doing in Russia.
- In Russia in the past few years, almost all the ice show associated with "Ice Age". You are not afraid of competition?
- Ilya Averbukh has done a very good job. Squeezed out of this project all possible. Topic was successful - the audience likes the show with the stars, full of intrigue. And the participants - good fellows, not sparing themself, trained, to show interesting programs. But our show is very different. I hope, interfere with each other will not, and who knows, eventually, we decide and about the joint project. However, the difficulties in Russia really is. The local promoters. They are afraid to take such shows. Believed, that people do not understand. But, I am sure, that interest for the performance of professional skaters in our country is, and the interest is enormous.
- And he is likely now will only grow - because of the return Plushenko, and the Olympic season ...
- Of course, this is now more relevant, than ever. The tour we will do in any case - regardless of the results on the Games. The tour around the world, show of champions. Emphasis is on professionalism. Athletes will show the best sports programs, full of elements. Do not just go out, and dance to the music. I'm going to prescribe it in the contracts. If a person who goes on the ice, unable to perform complex elements, and skating with half-strength, it will affect on the amount of the fee.
- And when you bring champions in Russia?
- I think, already by mid-April. We are going to be in all major cities. Let's see, of course, it will depend of issue with the organizers and sponsors.
- Let's finish the conversation, with one more issue, about the hope of Russian's national team. Evgeni Plushenko, in times of the Olympics in Turin, and Vancouver 2010. How he has changed, in your opinion?
- Now, this is a true professional. Previously, in Zhenya's was certain youthful maximalism. Now, he is an adult, mature man, with his thoughts and his opinions. He can be very demanding to others. But and towards itself, too. If need be, he can deny himself many things, to achieve the main goal. He went very long way as an athlete, as a man during these four years. Some for such, required decade.