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The President of Russia Vladimir Putin spoke to Russian media and revealed that the Stanley Cup champion Alex Ovechkin had expressed a desire to return home but he couldn't do it due to his contractual obligations with Washington Capitals.

''Me and Sasha (Alex Ovechkin) have very close and good relationship. He even told me that he would like to return home and continue his career here, but couldn't do it because of his contract in NHL.'' Putin said, also noting that probably didn't hurt players career as he now has won the Stanley Cup.

''Congratulations to him and the team. That is an achievement that any team can be proud of. I've regularly met with Ovechkin prior to him winning the cup'' the Russian president said.

Although Putin is a big hockey fan he admitted that he did not watch the deciding game.
''I didn't watch the game because I was busy working.''

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