Ilya Bryzgalov thinks Philadelphia is too big “bustling city” with too many ghettoes.
Ilya Bryzgalov can’t help himself.
Whether it’s praising the “humongous big” universe, or insulting the Philadelphia media, or napping during team meetings … the Flyers goalie remains of the most intriguing and enigmatic personalities in sports.
In an interview with a Russian media outlet called Championat, Bryzgalov weighed in on everything from Joseph Stalin to the welfare system. If his comments were translated correctly — and that’s not certain — then he isn’t the biggest fan of Philadelphia, either.
Here’s what he said, per Deadspin.
Question: When a person first appears in Philadelphia, where the advise to go? Your favorite place in town?
Bryzgalov: I live in New Jersey and come to Philadelphia only to play and exercise. No reason to not try to go ride. I have lived in Philadelphia and a half months before we bought the house. I do not really like that sort of town. Me and New York do not like. A big, bustling city with a grim gateways. Philadelphia is the same. But Boston, Vancouver and Dallas – are quite different. These newer, cleaner – there I like.
Question: On the ghetto in Philly?
Bryzgalov: There are enough of them. This is not a small part of the city. Too many do not work, live on welfare and get food stamps for. They just do not want to work. Their principle is: “Why should I work when I can live, let them raise taxes on the rich, which are injected. I’ll sit on the dole, the year I will get it here, then move to another state – start getting there.
When asked about famed Russian tyrant Joseph Stalin, Bryz said “he knew what he was doing” and “I see logic in his action.”
