Report: Smolov defies lockdown, flies home for fiancee's 18th birthday

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Celta Vigo's Fedor Smolov has reportedly defied Spain's lockdown instructions in order to fly home to Russia for his fiancee's 18th birthday.

The 30-year-old forward is engaged to Maria Yumasheva, the granddaughter of former Russian president Boris Yeltsin.

Smolov requested permission from Celta Vigo to travel back to Russia, but La Liga would not authorize it, a source told AS, courtesy of The Guardian. He reportedly notified the club of his movements and said he'd return once he's concluded his personal affairs.

He's the second Celta Vigo player to flaunt Spain's government-mandated travel restrictions; Danish attacker Pione Sisto did the same last week, making the 26-hour drive home and only telling the club of his travels after reaching his destination.

Smolov could face a fine when he returns from his trip.

Spain's lockdown has been extended until April 26 as the country continues to grapple with one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the world. The country has over 130,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 12,418 deaths.