The scorer of the winning goal in his debut match for Dynamo shared his emotions after the Cup clash against Oleksandriya.
– Shola, what do you feel after scoring the decisive goal in your debut match?
- I’m very happy that my debut turned out this way - I scored a goal. I’m very proud to play for this badge to represent one of the best clubs in Europe.
– Did you expect that you might score today?
- Honestly I told myself that if I got on the pitch I had to score. Even during the warm-up I was thinking about how I’d celebrate my goal, what I’d do. But when I actually scored I was so overwhelmed with emotions that I completely forgot about the celebration I had planned. But that doesn’t matter - I’m just really happy to have scored in my debut match.
– During the warm-up you didn’t look nervous ahead of your debut. You even seemed relaxed, joking with teammates…
- Of course, but that’s normal. We were just doing some tricks, playing rondos, having a laugh. I have to say all the guys here are positive and very welcoming. But once I stepped onto the pitch I was 100% focused on the match, just like everyone else. Our task was to get the win. After the game we joked again - you just have to know when it’s time to have fun and when it’s time to be serious.
– You came on as an early substitute after a teammate’s injury. Were you ready for that?
- Everything depends on the coach’s decision. I’m grateful to him for trusting me, giving me a chance to show myself. I’m happy to have made my debut for Dynamo.
– What instructions did the coach give you personally?
- I had to stay wide on the flank but also cut inside at the right moments. In those situations I needed to play freely, according to the game, and show my best qualities. Everything worked out well and I’m glad my actions helped the team get the result.
– How have your first two weeks at Dynamo been?
- Everything has been great. I feel very comfortable working here - with the coaches, teammates and the staff. Of course there’s a lot of talk about the war. But it doesn’t affect my work; I train and give everything. I really hope the suffering of this wonderful country will end soon. It’s very sad about the people who have already lost their lives. Personally I really like Ukraine and I’m happy to play here.
