- Ihor Mykhailovych, before the match Dynamo made a goodwill gesture and afforded Tavria pitch and plane. How important was this game for you?
- First of all it was important for supporters. People missed football. We must unite the nation with a help of football, ballet, concerts etc. We are sole and inseparable. I think football can unify people. It was proved in 2012 as we held European Championship. The game against Tavria was also important. I think I did my best for it to take place. I guess Tavria are also satisfied as they had a possibility to play. Fans of both sides supported each other. It means that they have come together. They have respect of their promise which is very important.
- It was very touching when you were singing national anthem together with players and supporters…
- We live in this country and we are all patriots. We must think about the development of the country and football. It’s not really important who’s won the game. First of all it’s significant that matches take place without problems. It’s necessary to take people from streets to stadiums again. I think football can play a very important role today.
- How much did Dynamo depend upon money invested by Dmytro Firtash and how will his arrest influence the club?
- He was FC Dynamo Kyiv primary sponsor and it’s difficult to state what will happen in the nearest future. I don’t think some rapid changes will come around. Anyway I wish Dmytro Vasyliovych to cope with all difficulties as soon as possible. He loves football, helps Tavria. His companies support Dynamo, but it doesn’t mean we’ll have some financial problems.
- Some say that he’s not just Dynamo sponsor, but also shareholder.
- They were also saying that Kolomoiskyi was a shareholder when PrivatBank was our title sponsor. I’m FC Dynamo Kyiv owner but for several per cent. Today I just don’t want anyone to be imprisoned. That’s why I want Dmytro Vasyliovych to be free, to support SC Tavria Simferopol and not to let this team disappear.
It’s very important. Taking into account the situation in Crimea and different cities of Ukraine, I think football must be inseparable. SC Tavria Simferopol are worthy team just like FC Sevastopol.
* photo by © www.fcdynamo.kiev.ua