For Maxim Molokoedov, it's a taste of temporary freedom after almost three years in prison — and a renewed shot at a professional soccer career that seemed to have been cut short.

Every evening, the Russian footballer sleeps behind bars. But every morning, Molokoedov walks out of his prison cell, ready to hit the field wearing the jersey of his professional soccer team.

The newest star of Santiago Morning is getting a second shot at life through soccer after he was arrested carrying six kilograms of cocaine that he planned to smuggle to Europe inside children's books.

"I'm so happy, but I know I need to work hard. It's been three years since I played at this level," Molokoedov, 24, said in a thick accent, sometimes dropping in Spanish slang that he learned from other inmates. "I have a six-month contract. I'm looking forward, but I'm living a day at a time."

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