I’ve got nothing but wonderful feelings from the meeting
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
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Shakhtar defender Irakli Azarov talked to the children participating in the Come On, Let's Play! project
Georgian Shakhtar defender Irakli Azarov held an online meeting with the Come on, Let's Play project participants from Ladyzhyn (Vinnytsia Oblast). During the talk, the children learned about Irakli’s first steps in football, his debut for the Miners and his emotions from playing at the top level. The defender also spoke about how he prepares for matches and overcomes nerves.
– Who had the greatest influence on your career? (Danylo)
– I would definitely put my father first. He set an example for me, inspired me and, in fact, opened the path to football. It was he who helped me end up at leading academies of Georgian football. At the same time, his brother was also a very important example for me, as they both had experience of playing for football teams. At the start of my career, I had worthy role models.
– Can you tell us what you do and how you prepare ahead of a match? (Illia)
– Before every match, I pray. This takes place directly in the dressing room before kickoff. I may also do a short stretch to prepare physically. I do not have any special rituals or traditions.
– What is the diet of a professional footballer like? I always explain to children that this is very important for players. (Oleh Pavlyk, coach of the Come On, Let's Play! project in Ladyzhyn)
– In modern football, nutrition plays an extremely important role, and I can confirm this from my own experience. What you eat, as well as how and how often you eat it, is fundamental for a footballer’s development. If proper nutrition and sleep routines are not followed, there is a risk of injury or muscle strain every time you step onto the pitch. There are no minor details here, you cannot under-eat or overeat. This is one of the most important aspects of professional growth. Two simple points: quality sleep and proper nutrition.
– Share your experience: how do you play against very fast forwards? (Vladyslav)
– This is a difficult question for any defender. In my opinion, it’s important to stay as close as possible to the opposing player and not give them the chance to comfortably control the ball, turn or use their body. You need to create maximum discomfort so that he has very few options to move with the ball or make a pass. When a forward does not feel confident in an isolated space, it becomes much easier to win the challenge.
In conclusion, Irakli Azarov thanked the children for their questions, noting that such meetings inspire and motivate, and also encouraged the participants to work hard and believe in their dreams.
– Who had the greatest influence on your career? (Danylo)
– I would definitely put my father first. He set an example for me, inspired me and, in fact, opened the path to football. It was he who helped me end up at leading academies of Georgian football. At the same time, his brother was also a very important example for me, as they both had experience of playing for football teams. At the start of my career, I had worthy role models.
– Can you tell us what you do and how you prepare ahead of a match? (Illia)
– Before every match, I pray. This takes place directly in the dressing room before kickoff. I may also do a short stretch to prepare physically. I do not have any special rituals or traditions.
– What is the diet of a professional footballer like? I always explain to children that this is very important for players. (Oleh Pavlyk, coach of the Come On, Let's Play! project in Ladyzhyn)
– In modern football, nutrition plays an extremely important role, and I can confirm this from my own experience. What you eat, as well as how and how often you eat it, is fundamental for a footballer’s development. If proper nutrition and sleep routines are not followed, there is a risk of injury or muscle strain every time you step onto the pitch. There are no minor details here, you cannot under-eat or overeat. This is one of the most important aspects of professional growth. Two simple points: quality sleep and proper nutrition.
– Share your experience: how do you play against very fast forwards? (Vladyslav)
– This is a difficult question for any defender. In my opinion, it’s important to stay as close as possible to the opposing player and not give them the chance to comfortably control the ball, turn or use their body. You need to create maximum discomfort so that he has very few options to move with the ball or make a pass. When a forward does not feel confident in an isolated space, it becomes much easier to win the challenge.
In conclusion, Irakli Azarov thanked the children for their questions, noting that such meetings inspire and motivate, and also encouraged the participants to work hard and believe in their dreams.
It’s a great initiative, as it gives the chance to talk with children who may become professional footballers in the future
Irakli Azarov, defender:
– I’ve got nothing but wonderful feelings from the meeting! It’s a great initiative, as it gives the chance to talk with children who may become professional footballers in the future. It was very nice to hear their questions, and the atmosphere was genuine and cheerful. Thanks to everyone who joined and to the club for organising such a meeting.
Come On, Let's Play! has been operating in Ladyzhyn for 7 years (opened in 2019). In total, the project runs 27 locations across 27 settlements in Ukraine, with two of them offering training for children with disabilities. More than 1,300 boys and girls aged 7 to 12 take part in the activities here.
The general partner is DTEK.
– I’ve got nothing but wonderful feelings from the meeting! It’s a great initiative, as it gives the chance to talk with children who may become professional footballers in the future. It was very nice to hear their questions, and the atmosphere was genuine and cheerful. Thanks to everyone who joined and to the club for organising such a meeting.
Come On, Let's Play! has been operating in Ladyzhyn for 7 years (opened in 2019). In total, the project runs 27 locations across 27 settlements in Ukraine, with two of them offering training for children with disabilities. More than 1,300 boys and girls aged 7 to 12 take part in the activities here.
The general partner is DTEK.
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