he has announced 2 months ago that he only want to compete at the Team event.
Than it was a long fight for him behind the scenes for HIS OWN Team Gold medal, to be able to be a part of the Team which would go to Russia without him as well.
It was his only possible way to get another gold in this sport and he was ready to kill Kovtun, Menshov or anybody like he did last year when he wnt to his 7th European Champion title in front of Gachinski. Gachinski was falling completely apart after this silver medal.
I think that leaving the competitive sport will boost Russian Men field.
As one of the previous post mentioned that: the cloud moved on, and they can feel the reason to get up early morning going to a training session.
My compliment goes to him because he put himself together for the team competition, but for HIMSELF.
An important chapter of a great talent and a very selfish, many times unsportif, arrogant competitor has been closed.
Amen
Such a pity that nasty posts won't go to an end after his retreat. I would have said also Amen to that.
Have you seen all the videos of him cheering for the team? Didn't he give it all what it takes for russain team to take the gold? How pleased was to be there with all of his team?
Sometimes people cannot see further than their own prejudice. That give sadly more information about them than about the skaters....
Would have retreat and let Kovtun in his place you all would cry foul (like you cryed over and over in the last month), has he not you all cry selfish Plushenko. Man he cannot win in your eyes.