I support Ukraine and I’ll do my best for Shakhtar
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
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Shakhtar defender Irakli Azarov gave his first interview as a club newcomer
– Irakli, welcome to the family of the Orange-and-Blacks! You just had your first training session with the Miners. How was your acquaintance with the team?
– It was incredible because I know what a great team Shakhtar are. My first training went very well. I continue moving forward and enjoy my new home.
– When you first found out that Shakhtar had an interest in you, what were your thoughts and what was the key reason in accepting the offer from the Pitmen?
– First of all, my friend Giorgi Gocholeishvili plays here, I have known him for a long time. I also wanted to play in the Champions League and improve as I know that Shakhtar has a great history and can offer many opportunities. So, I will try my best working with the team to keep moving forward.
– By the way, about Giorgi Gocholeishvili. What did he tell you before the transfer?
– When he found out about Shakhtar's interest, he called me and told about the current situation. I talked to my family, my friends, my wife, and the decision was made to come here, to my new home.
– Did you follow Shakhtar's matches? What can you say about the team?
– I know that a new coach joined the team, so I think we will be very strong. We will become better every day, with every game. I believe we will use every effort.
– What are your strong qualities that you can help the team with?
– In my opinion, my biggest advantage is technique, but I need to improve my fitness a little. But that's what I'm here for – to get better every day.
– Will the fact that you and Giorgi Gocholeishvili know each other well on the field help you to adapt faster?
– Of course, Giorgi's role in my adaptation will be very significant because he has been here for seven or eight months, so he will help me.
– Under what number will you play and why?
– I will have number 16 at Shakhtar. I started my professional football career with this number in Dinamo Tbilisi, so I will continue playing under it here.
– Were you afraid to go to Ukraine where a full-scale war is currently going on?
– Yes, there were fears, but Giorgi told me about the situation in Ukraine. I know that there is a danger, that people cannot live their normal lives. But the club cares about our safety. Of course, I support Ukraine and I’ll do my best for Shakhtar and my new family.
– We have a lot of Ukrainian fans, maybe you would like to say something to them?
– Go, Ukraine! Glory to the heroes! Glory to Ukraine!
– It was incredible because I know what a great team Shakhtar are. My first training went very well. I continue moving forward and enjoy my new home.
– When you first found out that Shakhtar had an interest in you, what were your thoughts and what was the key reason in accepting the offer from the Pitmen?
– First of all, my friend Giorgi Gocholeishvili plays here, I have known him for a long time. I also wanted to play in the Champions League and improve as I know that Shakhtar has a great history and can offer many opportunities. So, I will try my best working with the team to keep moving forward.
– By the way, about Giorgi Gocholeishvili. What did he tell you before the transfer?
– When he found out about Shakhtar's interest, he called me and told about the current situation. I talked to my family, my friends, my wife, and the decision was made to come here, to my new home.
– Did you follow Shakhtar's matches? What can you say about the team?
– I know that a new coach joined the team, so I think we will be very strong. We will become better every day, with every game. I believe we will use every effort.
– What are your strong qualities that you can help the team with?
– In my opinion, my biggest advantage is technique, but I need to improve my fitness a little. But that's what I'm here for – to get better every day.
– Will the fact that you and Giorgi Gocholeishvili know each other well on the field help you to adapt faster?
– Of course, Giorgi's role in my adaptation will be very significant because he has been here for seven or eight months, so he will help me.
– Under what number will you play and why?
– I will have number 16 at Shakhtar. I started my professional football career with this number in Dinamo Tbilisi, so I will continue playing under it here.
– Were you afraid to go to Ukraine where a full-scale war is currently going on?
– Yes, there were fears, but Giorgi told me about the situation in Ukraine. I know that there is a danger, that people cannot live their normal lives. But the club cares about our safety. Of course, I support Ukraine and I’ll do my best for Shakhtar and my new family.
– We have a lot of Ukrainian fans, maybe you would like to say something to them?
– Go, Ukraine! Glory to the heroes! Glory to Ukraine!