On 13 July, former Dynamo Kyiv midfielder Dmytro Mykhailenko celebrates his 50th birthday. UEFA honorary member Hryhoriy Surkis congratulated the hero of the day.
Dear Dmytro Stanislavovych!
I sincerely congratulate you on your Golden Jubilee. I pay tribute to a very talented footballer, an extraordinary teacher and a passionate patriot, a man with a big heart.
You have earned the respect of the general public with your willingness to sacrifice for the team's success. And your conscientious discipline, prudence and understanding of the game, thirst for victory and ability to fight for it to the end have certainly put you on a par with the best masters of modern Ukrainian football.
I am very glad that we had the chance to work together at Dynamo Kyiv, where you immediately became one of our own. Both in the star team of the second half of the 90s and in the national team in the most difficult period for it - at the stage of the first tournament steps under the auspices of FIFA and UEFA - you have always been a reliable support in terms of implementing coaching plans and a leader in spirit.
A capable and grateful student of titanic mentors, you have also chosen the coaching path for yourself and have already proven yourself to be a thoughtful, progressive and demanding game designer. So, I wish you, Dmytro Stanislavovych, creative flight in the future.
Peace, harmony, love and happiness. Patient inspiration, good luck and optimism! Many years to come!
Sincerely yours,
Grigory Surkis