Memorable time

- Did you receive the Ukrainian citizenship because you dreamed of playing at the national team level?

- Yes, playing for the national team of Ukraine was my decision. I was very happy to participate in this project, to help myself and other players to develop, and to help the national team achieve good results. I believe this was a positive period in my career. I get really upset while saying that I’m leaving the national team of Ukraine. Few people know it, but I have certain fitness issues and limitations associated with the previous operation which don’t allow me to play as much as I would like - I don’t feel very well. The moment has come in my career when I need to focus on the club. Now is the time when I can give more and benefit Shakhtar. It's sad, but I have to do it. In any case, my heart will always be with the Ukraine national team and the teammates. My support will be unlimited.

- Please recall the highlights of your national team performance. What were the most important matches?

- As I said, for me those moments are some of the best in my life in Ukraine. I’ve never spent as much time with the national team players as I do now, during the off-season, when we were preparing for the Euro. This was probably one of the best periods. After training, we got together with all the players in the rooms, and at those moments I saw how great the guys are. Of course, I'm talking about not just Shakhtar players, but also those from other clubs. For example, Malynovskyi, Zinchenko - I saw what kind of people they are. So I remember them in a special way now, better than before.

- Who are your best friends in the national team, who can you call and meet up with?