People are interested in learning about Shakhtar
Friday, October 25, 2024
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Andy Brassell, the author of the book “We Play On: Shakhtar Donetsk's Fight for Ukraine, Football and Freedom”, about the story of its creation, the readers’ response and the wishes to Ukrainians
– Andy, please tell us, how did you get the idea to write a book about Shakhtar?
– I have actually been watching Shakhtar for a very long time, maybe since 2008, and I speak Portuguese well, so I understand the approach to Brazilian players. To me, Shakhtar is not an unfamiliar team that knows how to work with Brazilian football players. Since then, I have learned more about the team, the country and the club in general. As I have already noted, I have been watching Shakhtar for a very long time, I saw the victory in the UEFA Cup and even visited Donbas Arena. Unfortunately, due to known events, Shakhtar was forced to leave its home which I had the chance to visit. This topic is close to my heart, of course, so I decided that more people in Great Britain and the English-speaking world deserve to learn more about the path of this incredible and truly great club.
– What was the response of the British people to your book?
– The book has definitely aroused considerable interest in my homeland. People are interested in learning about Shakhtar not only in the context of the last two or three years after the full-scale invasion, but also during all 10 years, including the hot phase of the war in Donbas. I am sure that the book was liked by the public, and it will find its audience in Britain too.
– What inspires you the most about Shakhtar?
– Perhaps, the most interesting thing in this story is how people around the world react to Shakhtar and how they support the club. Let’s remember that Shakhtar performed in Hamburg in the previous season, and this year they changed the arena and play in Gelsenkirchen at the Veltins-Arena. Despite this, the stands remain full, Shakhtar continues to appeal to fans. It is obvious that the world cares about the story that Ukraine experiences together with the club. It is especially nice to see young Ukrainian players who enter the field at the top level of the most prestigious club tournament in Europe and, maybe, in the whole world. Moreover, Brazilian internationals returned to the team, Pedrinho in particular, whom I like very much.
– What do you want to wish to Shakhtar and all Ukrainians?
– Quoting the title of my book, “We Play On”. I sincerely wish that your game continues not only on the football field, but also in life in general. I wish Ukrainians and Ukraine that the horrors of the war end as soon as possible, and football and normal life can return to you. You deserve it!
– I have actually been watching Shakhtar for a very long time, maybe since 2008, and I speak Portuguese well, so I understand the approach to Brazilian players. To me, Shakhtar is not an unfamiliar team that knows how to work with Brazilian football players. Since then, I have learned more about the team, the country and the club in general. As I have already noted, I have been watching Shakhtar for a very long time, I saw the victory in the UEFA Cup and even visited Donbas Arena. Unfortunately, due to known events, Shakhtar was forced to leave its home which I had the chance to visit. This topic is close to my heart, of course, so I decided that more people in Great Britain and the English-speaking world deserve to learn more about the path of this incredible and truly great club.
– What was the response of the British people to your book?
– The book has definitely aroused considerable interest in my homeland. People are interested in learning about Shakhtar not only in the context of the last two or three years after the full-scale invasion, but also during all 10 years, including the hot phase of the war in Donbas. I am sure that the book was liked by the public, and it will find its audience in Britain too.
– What inspires you the most about Shakhtar?
– Perhaps, the most interesting thing in this story is how people around the world react to Shakhtar and how they support the club. Let’s remember that Shakhtar performed in Hamburg in the previous season, and this year they changed the arena and play in Gelsenkirchen at the Veltins-Arena. Despite this, the stands remain full, Shakhtar continues to appeal to fans. It is obvious that the world cares about the story that Ukraine experiences together with the club. It is especially nice to see young Ukrainian players who enter the field at the top level of the most prestigious club tournament in Europe and, maybe, in the whole world. Moreover, Brazilian internationals returned to the team, Pedrinho in particular, whom I like very much.
– What do you want to wish to Shakhtar and all Ukrainians?
– Quoting the title of my book, “We Play On”. I sincerely wish that your game continues not only on the football field, but also in life in general. I wish Ukrainians and Ukraine that the horrors of the war end as soon as possible, and football and normal life can return to you. You deserve it!