Mostovoi is a hero not only in his native country but also in Spain, where he plays for Celta Vigo.
Nicknamed "the Tsar", he is one of the most popular players at the club and fans want to build a monument in his honour.
The midfielder-turned-sweeper is one of the linch-pins in what is undeniably an aging Russian team - but he says the age factor is not an issue.
"I try not to pay any attention to that kind of thing," he says.
"Look at France, for example. Reigning world and European champions and they don't have many young players either."
And the 34-year-old adds that what the Russians lack in youthful speed, they more than make up for in mental experience.
"The final result doesn't depend only on the speed you play with - it's also very important for the team to think on the pitch.
"The speed of thinking is more important than the speed of running around."
Mostovoi says "the old guard" were the most effective of the Russian squad in the qualifying stages but tips midfielder Marat Izmailov and striker Dmitry Sychyov as younger players to make a name for themselves in the coming games.