I’ll do my best to make Shakhtar stronger

- Darijo, you've been at Shakhtar for 17 years now. Where do you get the motivation to continue working at the club?

- I’ve always had motivation. The fact that I’ve been at the club for 17 years speaks volumes. As I have mentioned many times, Shakhtar is my club and my passion. And I will be here for as long as they need me. My heart has always been at Shakhtar, and my task is to develop the club and help the team, the president, the CEO. Therefore, I will fulfill everything that’s required of me.

- What do you think about your new capacity? How interesting is it for you?

- The position is really serious. The most important thing is that I will be on the field. Because I am not an office man, as I’ve spent my whole life on the football pitch. I like to feel the team, feel the coach. Over the past year, I have learnt many things from Mr Castro, and I’m grateful to him for the opportunity to help the team. And my role is always the same – to benefit Shakhtar, to help developing young players and try to make the team play some beautiful attacking football.

- That is, you will continue taking an active part in the training process?

- Of course, I must be present at every training session, at every game. But many of my duties will change. There are many points on my contract, but I will always respect the club and carry out all the tasks set for me. I’ll do my best to make Shakhtar stronger.

- What goals do you set for yourself in the capacity of the Director of Football?