As previously reported, Shakhtar Donetsk travelled to Japan after their last official match of 2023. Marino Pusic, the Pitmen's head coach, tried to explain the purpose of such an extraordinary visit.
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"This is the first time we are in Japan, so we are happy to be here and get to know this wonderful culture. This will be a charity match (against Fukuoka FC, 8th place in the completed Japanese league - ed.), and we want to show a beautiful game for all the spectators - Japanese and Ukrainian fans. We will show our best on the pitch so that people enjoy the match," the official Shakhtar website quoted Pushich as saying.