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.
"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.