First Ukrainian

21-05-09 04:39:51

The moment of truth has come. Shakhtar had been dominating on the pitch all through the match , achieved a convincing win over Werder Bremen and took the main trophy of the UEFA competition. Having done it, Shakhtar has entered ended one era and started another. Shakhtar are the UEFA Cup winners, the last ever winners of this European trophy. Moreover, the second-important European trophy has been won by a Ukrainian team for the first time in the history of Ukrainian football.

Those were happy moments. As the final whistle was blown, the stadium seemed to have exploded with emotions. We won’t mention Werder’s depression here. They have proved they are decent and worthy rivals. But we were stronger.

Its understood that the players and the coaching staff are happy now. They have written their names down in the history of European football. We still have to learn to live with this thought. But could it be possible without Mircea Lucescu and his team of professionals? Mister has created a team that is capable of beating any rival on its way to the top. It wasn’t easy for him. But we can see the result now. Shakhtar won the UEFA Cup!

When the team returned to the pitch, Darijo Srna handed the trophy to Rinat Akhmetov, a man who has put his heart into this club. This motion was very symbolic. When Rinat Akhmetov took over the Donetsk club and claimed he would make a European grand team out of it, many of us were sceptical. But Shakhtar has made it to the top!

In the dressing room the players and the president agreed that celebrations should take place after the domestic season is over. There are three matches left and Shakhtar has to win them all in style. So, the team dare not relax till May 31.

It has been decided that the team departs from Istanbul a bit later than it had been announced before. Shakhtar are expected to be in Donetsk at 16:00. Everyone is welcome to come to the airport and give the players warm welcome.



Press Office