Changing room chat: Sport and politics do mix, says Safin

FAMED for his angry outbursts on court, former top-ranked tennis player Marat Safin has revealed he wants to put his argumentative skills to use in the Russian parliament.

The 31-year-old is up for election to the State Duma on 4 December and could join other Russian sports stars including gold medal-winning gymnast Svetlana Khorkina in the lower house of parliament.

“I am an intelligent guy and I have a lot to bring and a lot of ideas about things and what to do,” Safin said. “I am very committed to it.”