FC Dynamo Kyiv newcomer has done the interview for club media, shared his emotions, told about his motivation towards choosing Kyiv side and about his football dreams.
- Welcome to Dynamo, Oleksandr! They discussed your transfer a lot in media. How was it happening?
- At first I got an actual offer from Dynamo. When Shakhtar found out Dynamo wanted to sign me, they made their offer as well. I took some time to think about it, besides there were a lot of legal issues.
- So you had offers both from Dynamo and from Shakhtar?
- Yes and I chose Dynamo. I’m very happy to be here.
- Who was the first you shared the news with?
- With my family – my wife, mom and dad. My dad is hundred per cent for Dynamo. As for players, I talked to Tymchyk, Bushchan, Yarmolenko. Andrii found proper words and persuaded me to join Dynamo. I also had a really nice conversation with Dynamo president. That was really sincere.
- Why did you choose Dynamo over Shakhtar?
- At this stage of my career I feel like playing for Dynamo. I’ll be doing the best I can for the White-Blues.
- Did you sleep well while the negotiations were on?
- Actually I didn’t sleep well for three or four days. I was constantly on the phone. But anyway I knew which team I would join.
- You’re from Donetsk. You used to play for Shakhtar, Mariupol. How does it feel being in Dynamo taking that into account?
- I think there’s nothing wrong with that. I’ll be doing my best for Kyiv side colors and trying to gladden our fans.
- You told that you came to Shakhtar school as a kid wearing Dynamo jersey of Shevchenko. Tell about that please.
- That was the case (smiling). I was 5 and I came to Shakhtar school with my dad. That was my first jersey. But they didn’t accept me as I wasn’t six yet. So they told me to come the following year. Everyone was surprised I was wearing Dynamo jersey. My father had to tell everyone we’re actually from Donetsk.
- Did your father insist you should join Dynamo?
- I’d say he approved that.
- Is there a player you look up to?
- I really like the way Toni Kroos plays. I’ll miss him when he ends his career.
- Do you think you career has worked out the way it should have so far despite the fact that you didn’t make it in Shakhtar?
- Sure, I have no regrets. I don’t hold any grudge against Shakhtar. I just need to prove it all on the field. Dynamo vs Shakhtar is a top derby. I used to play against Shakhtar for Dnipro-1, but Dynamo jersey is a different level and responsibility.
- So the games against Shakhtar are what you’re looking forward to the most?
- I guess so. Yet we need to focus on every game as you don’t win the title just by beating Shakhtar.
- What’re your expectations of the competition for Dynamo starting spot?
- This is Dynamo Kyiv. The competition is always fierce here. That was the case in Shakhtar, Dnipro-1 and Mariupol as well. But I’m ready to compete and I’m looking forward for that.
- You said you really want to play in the Champions League. The competition has got new format. You’re going to have to start with the second qualifying round…
- I wonder what the new format will be like. I know it will be tough to start with the second qualifying round. Last year we didn’t do well with Dnipro-1. But I hope my dream will come true.
- You didn’t play a lot in the second part of the season due to injury. You haven’t been called up to the national team. How will you be getting ready for the new season?
- Usually when there’s a lasting vacation I rest for about ten days max. Then I work out, do jogging. Gradually I increase the exercise load, so I approach training camps 50-70 per cent ready. I’m really looking forward to our training sessions.
- What do you expect of the training camp first of all? Getting acquainted with the team or practicing the teamwork?
- Getting acquainted among other things. I’m acquainted with some guys, but not with everyone. I’m looking forward to the meeting with Oleksandr Shovkovskyi to hear about his vision and the way I need to play.
- How come you have so many photos with Oleksandr Tymchyk?
- Tymchyk is the godfather of my son. We got acquainted when playing for Ukraine youth team. We were roommates at the training camp and became friends.
- Who else do you communicate with from Dynamo?
- I kept in touch with Dubinchak, with Kabayev. Sometimes I exchange texts with Bushchan and other guys.
- How do you imagine your debut for Dynamo? What feelings do you expect to experience?
- I guess I’ll have goosebumps. But anxiety fades away then the starting whistle sounds. I’m really looking forward to that moment!
