Oleksandr Ryabokon: "If the war ends this year, Desna will start recruiting football players in January"

Oleksandr Ryabokon, who is currently serving in the Armed Forces, said in an interview "UV" about the prospects of Chernihiv "Desna".

‒ I spoke with the president of the club, we were in constant contact, and the contact was normal. The last time we talked was on the eve of the forced decision to suspend the performances of "Desna" in the Ukrainian Premier League. But even this was an encouraging conversation - as soon as the hostilities stop, the management will be ready to resume the club's activities. No one "chilled out", no one "put a cross" on the club. On the contrary, a lot has been built in recent years - a new football field, a decent club base. There were no problems with food. "Desna" teams were well equipped.

At the time when we last spoke with colleagues and club management, "Desna" did not cease to exist. And the gradual payment of debts, as well as the active participation of the club in meetings on the reconstruction of city sports facilities, give hope that "Desna" will not stop functioning. I will say more: as soon as the war ends, if it happens this year, then already in January "Desna" will start gathering football players again.

As for me personally, my contract ended in the summer, and I actually stopped working with the start of the war. My contract is with the Armed Forces, Ryabokon said.