Coaches and performers changed, new generation of supporters has grown up, but he still keeps the goal. Today Olexandr turns forty.
- Olexandr, your first coach Anatoliy Kroshchenko has told that you and your mother actually cried when he decided to make you a goalkeeper. Have you ever regretted that?
- Sometimes I thought about it. Still I don’t know what my life would have been like if I remained outfield player. I’m satisfied with what I have. I’ve been feeling comfortable in football throughout my career.
- Recently you broke the record of Oleh Blokhin in number of matches played for Dynamo. Young teammates call you “uncle Sasha”. Have you talked to Blokhin after that?
- I haven’t. I’ve never followed statistics and I can’t say how many caps I have to my name, for example. 92 or 94? I don’t think that’s important. I’ve just always wanted to be in the movement. I also don’t know how many goals I’ve conceded and how many clean sheets I’ve kept.
- Friends must be putting wits against presents for you. Is there anything you don’t have? What would you like to wish yourself?
- I have specific attitude to material benefits. Besides it’s wrong to make boast of what I have. Unfortunately, football players, who earn big money, are in the minority. I try to be modest. Most of all I want to harmonize with me and the world around.
Read the full version of the interview with Olexandr Shovkovskyi in Dynamo Kyiv magazine December issue.
