Shakhtar is a great place for professional growth
Monday, March 10, 2025
|
Shakhtar newcomer Alisson Santana gave his first interview after moving to the club
– Alisson, you have officially become a Shakhtar player, so welcome to our orange-and-black team. What are your feelings and thoughts right now?
– I’m glad to join the team. I’m really happy to be here – since childhood I have dreamed of playing in Europe, at a high level, in such a big club as Shakhtar. I hope to start my appearances as soon as possible so that I can be useful to the team on the football field.
– When did you find out that Shakhtar was interested in you, and what was your first reaction?
– I've already heard such conversations during the season. Of course, it was an honour for me, it flattered me. During the championship, I tried to gain the best possible form to prove that the rumours were not in vain, so that I could join the team as soon as possible. I'm glad that I was able to realise my potential, making this a reality.
– How do you think you can impact the team's play and performance? What are your strong qualities?
– Like all Brazilians, I, first of all, like to dribble and create magic with the ball, also play in the attack as a whole, provide assists, find free zones. I also have good speed and shooting ability – I like taking shots on goal and seizing the initiative. So I’m a fairly versatile player in the attacking phase.
– Which football player do you admire, and whose style of play would you compare yours to?
– If we take the whole history of football, then my favourite player is Lionel Messi. And if we take the players who are currently playing in Europe at a high level, then these are Savinho and Lamine Yamal. As for me, in certain ways we are similar, I follow their play, their performances. I'm not saying that I can compare myself now in terms of the quality to such outstanding performers, but for me they serve as a great motivation, and I would like to be similar to them in my style.
– What number will you use at Shakhtar and why did you choose it?
– I chose number 30 because Messi also used this number in his first season in Barcelona. For me, it is a kind of symbolism, which would also be nice to confirm on the football pitch.
– Many people in Brazil know Shakhtar well, and you are probably no exception. What did you know about the new club before the transfer?
– Actually, I knew quite a lot about the club. The main thing is that Shakhtar has always been and remains a great springboard for Brazilian footballers, many of whom have undeniably become football stars here. Therefore, I also took this fact into account during the transfer: I'm truly impressed by this opportunity, and I will do everything I can to join the ranks of outstanding Brazilian footballers in Shakhtar's history and world football in general.
– Which former Brazilian Shakhtar players do you know personally? Perhaps you talked to someone before the transfer or one of them was your idol at one time?
– In fact, I knew the names of almost all the Brazilians who played here, at the club. If I had to choose my favourites, it would definitely be Douglas Costa and Willian. I have been following their play since I was a little kid, watching their careers develop. I spoke directly with Bernard about his time at the club, and he gave me only great feedback and recommendations that this is a really good place for professional growth, where I can reach a new level as a footballer. Among the current players, I have also spoken with Kaua Elias and Pedrinho, who shared many compliments about the club and told me what a great place it is for professional development.
– How do you see your development at Shakhtar and what goals do you set for yourself?
– First of all, I want to win as many trophies as possible with the team during this period. Of course, I also want to make my contribution to the club's history – to score goals, provide assists, be an important player on the field and irreplaceable off it.
– The fans, who are an integral part of our club, will be very happy that you have joined the team. What would you like to say to all Shakhtar fans?
– I'm truly happy to be here and hope that with my play, I can give the fans many unforgettable moments and delight them with our team achievements. I want to score a lot of goals, provide a lot of assists and create a lot of reasons for joy.
– I’m glad to join the team. I’m really happy to be here – since childhood I have dreamed of playing in Europe, at a high level, in such a big club as Shakhtar. I hope to start my appearances as soon as possible so that I can be useful to the team on the football field.
– When did you find out that Shakhtar was interested in you, and what was your first reaction?
– I've already heard such conversations during the season. Of course, it was an honour for me, it flattered me. During the championship, I tried to gain the best possible form to prove that the rumours were not in vain, so that I could join the team as soon as possible. I'm glad that I was able to realise my potential, making this a reality.
– How do you think you can impact the team's play and performance? What are your strong qualities?
– Like all Brazilians, I, first of all, like to dribble and create magic with the ball, also play in the attack as a whole, provide assists, find free zones. I also have good speed and shooting ability – I like taking shots on goal and seizing the initiative. So I’m a fairly versatile player in the attacking phase.
– Which football player do you admire, and whose style of play would you compare yours to?
– If we take the whole history of football, then my favourite player is Lionel Messi. And if we take the players who are currently playing in Europe at a high level, then these are Savinho and Lamine Yamal. As for me, in certain ways we are similar, I follow their play, their performances. I'm not saying that I can compare myself now in terms of the quality to such outstanding performers, but for me they serve as a great motivation, and I would like to be similar to them in my style.
– What number will you use at Shakhtar and why did you choose it?
– I chose number 30 because Messi also used this number in his first season in Barcelona. For me, it is a kind of symbolism, which would also be nice to confirm on the football pitch.
– Many people in Brazil know Shakhtar well, and you are probably no exception. What did you know about the new club before the transfer?
– Actually, I knew quite a lot about the club. The main thing is that Shakhtar has always been and remains a great springboard for Brazilian footballers, many of whom have undeniably become football stars here. Therefore, I also took this fact into account during the transfer: I'm truly impressed by this opportunity, and I will do everything I can to join the ranks of outstanding Brazilian footballers in Shakhtar's history and world football in general.
– Which former Brazilian Shakhtar players do you know personally? Perhaps you talked to someone before the transfer or one of them was your idol at one time?
– In fact, I knew the names of almost all the Brazilians who played here, at the club. If I had to choose my favourites, it would definitely be Douglas Costa and Willian. I have been following their play since I was a little kid, watching their careers develop. I spoke directly with Bernard about his time at the club, and he gave me only great feedback and recommendations that this is a really good place for professional growth, where I can reach a new level as a footballer. Among the current players, I have also spoken with Kaua Elias and Pedrinho, who shared many compliments about the club and told me what a great place it is for professional development.
– How do you see your development at Shakhtar and what goals do you set for yourself?
– First of all, I want to win as many trophies as possible with the team during this period. Of course, I also want to make my contribution to the club's history – to score goals, provide assists, be an important player on the field and irreplaceable off it.
– The fans, who are an integral part of our club, will be very happy that you have joined the team. What would you like to say to all Shakhtar fans?
– I'm truly happy to be here and hope that with my play, I can give the fans many unforgettable moments and delight them with our team achievements. I want to score a lot of goals, provide a lot of assists and create a lot of reasons for joy.