Mikel Arteta expressed his respect for the Donetsk club, which continues to play on the international stage during the war in Ukraine.
The head coach of London's Arsenal Mikel Arteta gave a press conference before the match of the third round of the main stage of the Champions League of the 2024/25 season against Donetsk Shakhtar.
The Spanish specialist expressed sympathy for the miners and the Ukrainian people due to the full-scale war that the Russian occupiers continue to wage against Ukraine.
“I feel very sorry for the situation Shakhtar are in. I can't even imagine, when I talk to Zinchenko, how it affects you, the whole country, your families and the environment.
The incredible attitude they have had towards this situation and what they are doing to continue playing football at this level and competing is great. We will welcome them back tomorrow in the best possible way.
Definitely, football is not the most important thing in our world, especially when compared to the situation Shakhtar is in. But they decided to use football with its many positive things that manifest themselves in a truly powerful life.
I think it is wonderful how they managed and manage the situation, how the country united. We have to realise that sport also brings joy to people's lives,” Arteta was quoted as saying by the official Arsenal website.
The Arsenal vs Shakhtar match will take place on Tuesday, October 22, at the Emirates Stadium in London. The starting whistle will sound at 22:00 Kyiv time.
The text online broadcast of the Arsenal vs Shakhtar match is available on our website.
Before the third round, the Miners are in 27th place in the overall standings of the main round of the Champions League, having one point to their credit. The Gunners are in 13th place with 4 points.
The eight best teams of the main stage of the Champions League will reach the 1/8 finals. The clubs that will take the overall standings The teams ranked 9th to 24th in the standings will play in paired play-off matches to reach the 1/8 finals. The rest will end their participation in European competitions.