Fake bomb found with Brazil footballer Hulk's photo

Russian police have discovered a fake bomb attached to a photo of Brazil international forward Hulk at Zenit St. Petersburg's training base.

The Russian top-flight club confirmed Friday the false device was found in a bag accompanied by the message, "Hulk out!", reports Xinhua.

"We are not denying the story but at the same time we are not going to comment," a club spokesperson said.

Hulk has been the subject of controversy since signing for the club earlier this month on a reported salary of $6.5 million a year.

The deal drew public criticism from Zenit captain Igor Denisov and striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov, who were subsequently dropped to the B team after demanding new wage conditions.

St. Petersburg is expected to be named by FIFA Saturday as a host city for the 2018 World Cup.