Spartak Moscow striker Aleksandr Sobolev has explained his cheeky farewell message to Alex Kral.

Former Spartak midfielder Kral signed for West Ham United on deadline day.

Upon the deal being confirmed, several Spartak teammates posted a farewell message to Kral featuring some typical locker room humour.

Sobolev's message was: "Alex, thank you for finally leaving us. We will not be bored, because with your departure we will play even better!"

The Russia international has since explained: "With Kral, we just have a very warm relationship, we communicate well.

"I didn't think this video would end up anywhere. He was 100 percent not offended."