Roma head coach Jose Mourinho commented on the Shakhtar club Youtube channel on the outcome of the charity match against the Pitmen.
Jose Mourinho. Photo: gettyimages.com“What does hosting this charity match mean to me? You need to look at it from two sides. One is football: it is important for us to play with a good team, a team that loves to play football, likes to build a game from the back line, because this creates difficulties, and it’s good for us before the start of the season.
The other side is human. Of course, I believe that everyone at this stadium stands together in support of Ukraine and its people in such a difficult period. Therefore, in my opinion, people came for two reasons: to watch football and to support.
I played matches in Ukraine several times, but never played in Donetsk and never with Shakhtar, which is incredible, because I participated in many matches of European football. It was great to play such a game, even in such a situation, even after the loss of important foreign players, experienced players. It was very good for us to play against this young team that shows good football.
I prefer to call it the human side of football. Football is a strong game. Football can show human emotions. But, of course, everyone present at this stadium deeply feels the problems of the Ukrainian people. I believe that Ukrainians demonstrate how united, courageous and friendly they are. And there is nothing to add here. Of course, we all know what we want - happiness, peace," Mourinho said.
