I will be with Shakhtar until the end
Sunday, January 21, 2024
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Shakhtar midfielder Taras Stepanenko about contract extension, his role in the team and goals for the future
– Taras, you extended your contract with Shakhtar. What are your thoughts and feelings about this?
– I am very happy to stay home, play and represent such a big club as Shakhtar, so I have only warm feelings. My family and friends supported me, so I am very happy. I will work hard and prove that it is well deserved.
– Did it take you a long time to decide this or did you agree immediately?
– To be honest, I did not think long about it, but I talked for some time with my family that lives abroad, and it is hard for me to be apart. We discussed that if I stay, they should understand that they will live abroad, and I will live in Ukraine. We will have to endure, work, and we will be together only when peace returns to Ukraine. I hesitated to sign the contract only for this reason.
– How many contracts with Shakhtar have you had before?
– I do not remember, I think six or seven.
– If we recall the emotions from the previous times you signed the contract with Shakhtar, what is the difference?
– The last two contracts were very emotional, because there was a period when I thought that I would end my football career altogether due to injuries. When you go through hardships, reach a new level, try to play and give your best, it is rewarded by the club offering a new deal. I am happy to stay home and I want to thank the president, the management, the coaching staff and my family – they all supported me. I will be with Shakhtar until the end.
– How can you personally define your role and function in the team?
– I am one of the most experienced players in the club, so I believe that because of my experience I have to help young players and maintain the appropriate level so that the team play and get good results. I should also help the coach implement the tasks and principles he uses when building the game to achieve results.
– You are a very experienced player who has repeatedly won important victories and trophies. What are your ambitions and goals for the future?
– Shakhtar taught me to always win, to set the most fundamental and high goals, therefore, the goal is to win everything in the domestic championship. I like how the team are progressing. We work to win the European Cup.
– In conclusion, continue the phrase: Shakhtar for me is...
– Family.
– I am very happy to stay home, play and represent such a big club as Shakhtar, so I have only warm feelings. My family and friends supported me, so I am very happy. I will work hard and prove that it is well deserved.
– Did it take you a long time to decide this or did you agree immediately?
– To be honest, I did not think long about it, but I talked for some time with my family that lives abroad, and it is hard for me to be apart. We discussed that if I stay, they should understand that they will live abroad, and I will live in Ukraine. We will have to endure, work, and we will be together only when peace returns to Ukraine. I hesitated to sign the contract only for this reason.
– How many contracts with Shakhtar have you had before?
– I do not remember, I think six or seven.
– If we recall the emotions from the previous times you signed the contract with Shakhtar, what is the difference?
– The last two contracts were very emotional, because there was a period when I thought that I would end my football career altogether due to injuries. When you go through hardships, reach a new level, try to play and give your best, it is rewarded by the club offering a new deal. I am happy to stay home and I want to thank the president, the management, the coaching staff and my family – they all supported me. I will be with Shakhtar until the end.
– How can you personally define your role and function in the team?
– I am one of the most experienced players in the club, so I believe that because of my experience I have to help young players and maintain the appropriate level so that the team play and get good results. I should also help the coach implement the tasks and principles he uses when building the game to achieve results.
– You are a very experienced player who has repeatedly won important victories and trophies. What are your ambitions and goals for the future?
– Shakhtar taught me to always win, to set the most fundamental and high goals, therefore, the goal is to win everything in the domestic championship. I like how the team are progressing. We work to win the European Cup.
– In conclusion, continue the phrase: Shakhtar for me is...
– Family.