- As the whole team I’m thankful to our loyal fans for support. I wish them happiness and success in the New Year!
- When did you realize football would become your profession?
- I’ve been playing football all my life. There were no professional performers among my relatives. My grandfather is a fan, but he doesn’t play. Football life is unpredictable. Unfortunately injuries can be a great problem. When I was 17 I started training with the main squad. That’s when I realized I would be a professional player.
- Who was your idol when you were a kid? What team did you support?
- As I started my career in FK Austria Wien I supported this team. Later my idol was striker Patrick Kluivert.
- Is there a team you would never join?
- In Ukraine that’s FC Shakhtar Donetsk and in Austria – SK Rapid Wien.
- How do you spend your free time?
- I don’t have much free time, but when I have it I like to walk around Kyiv, meet friends and teammates, have some coffee.
- What does number 6 mean to you? Why is it your squad number?
- I don’t pay much attention to that. When I joined Basel I got this squad number and we won both domestic league and national cup. Thus when I moved to Kyiv I chose this number too.
- Who’s the most skillful player of Ukrainian league?
- That’s definitely Andriy Yarmolenko. Konoplianka was also doing well featuring for Dnipro.
- Would you like to face Ukraine within Euro-2016?
- I want both teams to reach as far as possible and meet in the final or semifinal. Still I’ll have to upset you as Austria will win in such a case.
- What do Austrians and Ukrainians have in common?
- Life in Austria differs from live in life in Ukraine a lot, but there are not so many beautiful girls there. Still I love Austria and I’m going to live there after I finish my career.
- Who’s your most difficult opponent in Ukraine?
- It’s always difficult to oppose Dnipro away. They have Roman Zozulia – very fast striker.
- What’s your most memorable match for Dynamo?
- The game against Chelsea in London is on this list, but the match against Dnipro, when Vida scored and we won the title, is the most memorable.
- What keeps you in Kyiv besides the contract?
- Beautiful girls! Of course Wien is my favorite city, but Kyiv comes after it. I’m happy to work here and play for such great club as Dynamo.
- Do you know you are Dynamo only player to score both for and against your team in euro cups?
- After that game mom calmed me down and told me that. It was really bitter.
- You used to say you are the second best defender in Ukrainian league after Khacheridi. How come you’re not the best one?
- He’s the best in my opinion though I also have good qualities. I’m glad we’re on the same team. I’m sure if he keeps this up he’ll be spotted by leading clubs of Europe.
- Which trophy would you like to win most of all?
- Every European player wants to win the Champions League. Of course it will be difficult for Dynamo, but we’ll try hard. Anyway our main task is to win domestic league and national cup.
- Do you like to work with Rebrov?
- Rebrov is a very promising coach. It’s great he speaks English and can communicate with foreign players. He’s young, so he also keeps making headway. I think we’re lucky to have such gaffer.
- Which top club would you like to play for?
- I guess Bayern would be a perfect option as I speak German. Still I’m Real Madrid fan. Anyway I won’t be upset if I join Barcelona.
* photo by V. Rasner
Copyright © 2015 FC Dynamo Kyiv
