Former Ukrainian national team player Artem Fedetskyi told us what he thinks about Andriy Yarmolenko's return to Dynamo Kyiv, which was officially announced yesterday.
Artem Fedetskyi. Photo by D. Rudenko- In your opinion, was the transfer of Yarmolenko the right decision by the club and the player?
- I believe that it was primarily Yarmolenko's decision. Whatever one may say, Andriy has played a lot outside his homeland - in Europe and Asia, but sooner or later you will start to feel drawn home.
Yarmolenko could have easily stayed in Europe, but he made a real move. This move should be seen as support for Ukraine and its people. He has done a good thing. It is also worth noting his desire, because he started at Dynamo and it would be great to finish at this club.
- At his age, can Yarmolenko help Dynamo not only in the UPL but also in European competitions?
- I believe that the support of Ukraine and his football qualities will help in all areas. He is a player who has a lot of experience, so he will be able to help in the UPL and European competitions. He has a lot of firepower, and we can see it in his matches for the national team. We do not count penalties, it can happen to anyone. He is a top player and did what he did to support the Ukrainians, so I think everyone is in the black.
- Will he be used as a right winger, or are there any surprises?
- This will be up to Lucescu to decide. Yarmolenko is a player who can play in any position in the attack. He has the technique, understanding and experience that can help him play even in a position other than his native one. He has leadership qualities and a magical left foot, so I don't think it will be a problem for him to play in another position in attack.
- Voloshin and Lednev are knocking on the door of the first team. There are also legionnaires Benito and Perris. Is Yarmolenko's arrival the end for them or can they open up in other positions?
- Yarmolenko can show his best qualities and class, and the youngsters will watch and learn from it. They will follow him and develop. If Yarmolenko plays and the youngsters don't, then they should ask themselves questions. Perhaps they are not up to the mark, and this will encourage them to progress.
With players like Andriy, all players will progress. It's an absolute win-win for everyone. "Dynamo gets a great performer who can decide the fate of chances and pull up young players, and Yarmolenko gets a wonderful fairy tale with his return to his home team.
- Doesn't this return remind you of the time when Shevchenko arrived at Dynamo after Milan and Chelsea?
- Yes, it is quite similar. No matter how Yarmolenko plays, he will still be remembered, just as we remember Shevchenko and Rebrov. Yarmolenko had a lot of great moments at the Kyiv club and in this way he wants to thank the team for actually giving him a path to adult football.
I don't think Shevchenko and Rebrov failed after their return. These players played at a crazy level in Europe and still returned to their home team.
- Is Dynamo Yarmolenko's last club?
- I heard that after the end of his contract, Yarmolenko may get the position of sporting director, but this is not accurate information. I haven't talked to Andriy yet, so I don't know. Perhaps he will extend his contract, it's hard to guess what will happen in reality. Yarmolenko's return to Dynamo is a plus for the club, the players and the interest in our championship. Andriusha is a good man, he did everything right.
Artem Zhylinskyi
