- In 1991/92 Champions Cup you scored brace against Dynamo. How difficult it was to oppose former teammates?
- My emotions were restrained when I scored as Dynamo opened me the way to top level football. It was difficult from psychological point of view to oppose my former team. Still I did my job properly as I had a contract with Benfica.
- You joined Benfica in 1991 though you didn’t play much in USSR league (18 matches, six goals). How did your transfer happen?
- Actually I was supposed to join Liverpool, but as far as I know Benfica offered more money for me and everything changed within a couple of days.
- Does it mean you didn’t choose the club?
- Of course I didn’t as we lived in Soviet Union. Eventually I came to Lisbon and signed a contract. I don’t regret as both Liverpool and Benfica are clubs with great history.
- What can you say about the period you spend with Dynamo?
- I can only thank Dynamo. Not everyone had a chance to play under the charge of Valeriy Lobanovskyi. I wish I could thank coaches personally, but unfortunately Valeriy Lobanovskyi, Viktor Kolotov and Anatoliy Puzach have passed away. I’m also very thankful to Volodymyr Maliuta. He helped me recover after I suffered serious injury.
- All Dynamo teams always had same training system, especially under the charge of Valeriy Lobanovskyi. Was it difficult to join the main squad?
- Main squad and reserve team had same philosophy, but exercise load was different. That was difficult for me when I joined the main squad. Anyway it was all about players’ character. Everyone who performed for Dynamo had virile character and great desire to play football.
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