Dynamo midfielder Andriy Yarmolenko spoke to UPL TV about setting the record as the all-time leading goalscorer in the history of the Ukrainian championship during the Matchday 11 UPL fixture against Kryvbas (2:0).
– The match was not only historic but also quite dramatic. How did you watch the second half of the game from the sidelines?
– It was actually very difficult – it is easier to be on the pitch. First of all, I want to thank the lads for seeing the job through with ten men, showing resilience and following the coach’s instructions. Also, during the air raid alert, I said everything I had on my mind at the time. I want to thank the lads because today they really showed character and a desire to win. As for the red card… You cannot let the team down like that. Although I am an experienced footballer, emotions are still part of the game. I failed to control them somewhat.
– It seemed that in that incident you were standing up for Oleksandr Tymchyk, whose boot even came off after the opponent’s challenge, and your emotions got the better of you…
– Yes, I saw that Oleksandr was genuinely in pain, and the opponent did not even come over to apologise. I wanted to make a strong challenge, but I went too far.
– Did you have a feeling before the match that today would be such a historic day?
– No, I didn’t. I prepared for the game as usual. I knew that this goal would come. In particular, we had a lot of missed chances in the match against Kudrivka. The most important thing is to stay focused on the training process and do what needs to be done. Then everything will be fine.
– You have achieved your goal by becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in the history of the Ukrainian championship. Where do you find motivation from now on?
– I have always said that if you lose your motivation, you should quit football. I am still motivated, although there are also many questions regarding my health. I am very happy that I managed to surpass this record. Surpassing the achievement of such a great player as Maksym Shatskykh is no small thing. I learned a lot from watching his matches, and he also helped me greatly at the beginning of my career. It really is a great pleasure to surpass his record.
