I’m reciprocating Shakhtar’s attitude
Monday, September 2, 2019
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Yevhen Konoplyanka gave his first interview as a player of Shakhtar
- The mood is joyful, but at the same time, I’m tired because I slept for just three hours. I want to gain strength as soon as possible. But I’m really happy! I’m ready to achieve every success with the new team.
- Are you glad to be back in Ukraine?
- Yes, of course. This is my home.
- How did you follow Shakhtar?
- I never missed the Champions League games. Plus, it’s always interesting to watch the Shakhtar vs Dynamo derby. I know all the players - there are no surprises for me here.
- It's no secret that you could well become a Shakhtar player a few years ago, but this has happened only now. Are you fated to do that?
- Right, I had this possibility. I would put it like this: Shakhtar wanted me more than other clubs did. I am pleased with that fact, so I’m reciprocating Shakhtar’s attitude. I’m happy to be in the family of this team and club.
- Do your personal football ambitions coincide with those of Shakhtar?
- One hundred percent. We may talk a lot, it just remains to show it on the football pitch. We’re facing some crucial matches, the Champions League, and advancing from the group is in our power. It’s necessary to set goals.
- And you are ready to compete for the league title ...
- There’s even nothing to talk about - that objective is number one. That’s why I am here. I want to lift the Ukrainian League trophy every year.
- Did you consult anyone before the move?
- Why should I? For how many years did I play for Dnipro, nine years? I know Shakhtar, so there’s no need to consult anyone. I have many friends here, I kept in touch with them before. I know where I’ve arrived, and I know my goals. Now, the main thing is to achieve them.
- This is a good opportunity to address the fans.
- I don’t even know what to add. I suppose that genuinely loyal fans will support us and worry until the end. I wish the fans to stand by us always - both in difficult times and in good ones. Stay with us!
- Are you glad to be back in Ukraine?
- Yes, of course. This is my home.
- How did you follow Shakhtar?
- I never missed the Champions League games. Plus, it’s always interesting to watch the Shakhtar vs Dynamo derby. I know all the players - there are no surprises for me here.
- It's no secret that you could well become a Shakhtar player a few years ago, but this has happened only now. Are you fated to do that?
- Right, I had this possibility. I would put it like this: Shakhtar wanted me more than other clubs did. I am pleased with that fact, so I’m reciprocating Shakhtar’s attitude. I’m happy to be in the family of this team and club.
- Do your personal football ambitions coincide with those of Shakhtar?
- One hundred percent. We may talk a lot, it just remains to show it on the football pitch. We’re facing some crucial matches, the Champions League, and advancing from the group is in our power. It’s necessary to set goals.
- And you are ready to compete for the league title ...
- There’s even nothing to talk about - that objective is number one. That’s why I am here. I want to lift the Ukrainian League trophy every year.
- Did you consult anyone before the move?
- Why should I? For how many years did I play for Dnipro, nine years? I know Shakhtar, so there’s no need to consult anyone. I have many friends here, I kept in touch with them before. I know where I’ve arrived, and I know my goals. Now, the main thing is to achieve them.
- This is a good opportunity to address the fans.
- I don’t even know what to add. I suppose that genuinely loyal fans will support us and worry until the end. I wish the fans to stand by us always - both in difficult times and in good ones. Stay with us!