I'm struck by what appears to be the widespread assumption that Russians have acquired magical powers in recent years to rig elections. When did this happen? Is Ivan now magically competent at such things?
Oh, it's nothing new; people have always tried it on, and often succeeded too. Anyway, at least achieved their desired result.
Politics is a dirty business, always has been.
"Plenty of strikers can score goals," he said, gesturing to the famous old stands casting shadows around us.
"But a lot have found it difficult wearing the number 9 shirt for The Arsenal."