I would like to wish all children peace, well-being and good health
Thursday, July 16, 2026
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Croatian former player, Shakhtar legend and the club’s current sporting director Darijo Srna held an online meeting with participants in the Come On, Let's Play! project
More than 100 children from different parts of Ukraine who train as part of the project joined the conversation. During the online meeting, the young footballers had the opportunity to ask Darijo questions about his football journey, the coaches who had the biggest impact on his career and responsibility on the pitch.
The Come On, Let's Play! project is very important because children are our future. I love them very much, so this meeting was extremely interesting for me
Darijo Srna, FC Shakhtar sporting director:
– The Come On, Let's Play! project is very important because children are our future. I love them very much, so this meeting was extremely interesting for me. Children need support, attention and sincere communication. We need to talk to them and spend quality time with them so that they choose the right path in life. I would like to wish all children peace, well-being and good health.
– Was it difficult for you to make the decision to join Shakhtar and leave Croatia?
– Yes, it was a very difficult decision because I was only 20 years old at the time. I left my country and my family and moved to Ukraine, to the wonderful city of Donetsk. Unfortunately, because of the war, we were forced to leave the city and move to Kyiv I’m very grateful for these 23 years. I love and respect Ukraine very much.
– Which coach had the biggest impact on your career and why?
– Without a doubt, it was Mister Lucescu. May he rest in peace. We worked together for 12 years and we made a lot for Shakhtar during that time. I believe he is a true club legend and a legend of world football.
– What did being captain mean to you?
– First of all, it was a great honour, but at the same time a great responsibility to myself and the team. In this case, you have to be the first to take the hit and the first to arrive at training. A captain has to be an example for other footballers.
– Is there a place connected with your football career that you would like to return to?
– I would like to return to our Donetsk, where we built the incredible Donbas Arena, where our fans and our heart were. I hope the day will come when Shakhtar return to their home city. It is our shared dream.
The Come On, Let's Play! project is being implemented in 27 locations in Ukraine, where more than 1,000 children train. The project creates opportunities for boys and girls to play football regularly and lead an active lifestyle.
The general partner of the project is DTEK.
– The Come On, Let's Play! project is very important because children are our future. I love them very much, so this meeting was extremely interesting for me. Children need support, attention and sincere communication. We need to talk to them and spend quality time with them so that they choose the right path in life. I would like to wish all children peace, well-being and good health.
– Was it difficult for you to make the decision to join Shakhtar and leave Croatia?
– Yes, it was a very difficult decision because I was only 20 years old at the time. I left my country and my family and moved to Ukraine, to the wonderful city of Donetsk. Unfortunately, because of the war, we were forced to leave the city and move to Kyiv I’m very grateful for these 23 years. I love and respect Ukraine very much.
– Which coach had the biggest impact on your career and why?
– Without a doubt, it was Mister Lucescu. May he rest in peace. We worked together for 12 years and we made a lot for Shakhtar during that time. I believe he is a true club legend and a legend of world football.
– What did being captain mean to you?
– First of all, it was a great honour, but at the same time a great responsibility to myself and the team. In this case, you have to be the first to take the hit and the first to arrive at training. A captain has to be an example for other footballers.
– Is there a place connected with your football career that you would like to return to?
– I would like to return to our Donetsk, where we built the incredible Donbas Arena, where our fans and our heart were. I hope the day will come when Shakhtar return to their home city. It is our shared dream.
The Come On, Let's Play! project is being implemented in 27 locations in Ukraine, where more than 1,000 children train. The project creates opportunities for boys and girls to play football regularly and lead an active lifestyle.
The general partner of the project is DTEK.
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