"The most important and special tournament for the whole country starts in a few days. [It is] a celebration of football which will give unforgettable emotions and vivid impressions. We believe in ourselves, and we will do everything that is possible and impossible to make this summer memorable for a long time. Right now, we need your belief and support more than ever... Only by uniting and becoming one, we can succeed," Gabulov wrote on his Instagram account.

The 34-year-old has been capped 10 times for Russia since making international debut in 2007.

Russia's first-ever World Cup will be held between June 14 and July 15 at 12 arenas in 11 cities across the country. The hosts will face Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group A.