Viktor Tsygankov: 'If I am to leave Girona, I want to do it through the front door'

Ukrainian midfielder of Spanish "Girona" Viktor Tsygankov in an interview with AS summarised the results of the season-2023/24.

- In which language would you like to have a conversation? English, Spanish or Catalan?

- (Smiles). I speak very little Catalan, a little more Spanish. But better in English or Ukrainian ...

- What is your assessment of the season?

- Without a doubt, it was the best season in the history of the club. I believe that although it's been a few days since the end of the Spanish championship, we have not yet realised everything we have achieved. There was a family in the changing room, a great team made up of players of great quality and that's why we managed to make history.

- When you signed for Girona last year, did you envisage the team finishing third and qualifying for the Champions League this season?

- To be honest, I would never have thought that. The goal this season was not to concede, but we won match after match, we felt very strong and it seemed like there was no ceiling for us.

- What has been your best match this season?

- For me it is the home match against Barcelona (4-2). Apart from the win, we showed a great game. After the game in the locker room we looked at the whole situation differently and talked about the fact that this season it is really possible to achieve good results.

- Did you think that "Girona" can become the champion of Spain?

- In Ukraine they say that the appetite comes during the meal. In winter we came to the idea that we need to set higher goals, and the championship was among them.

- You have eight goals and seven assists this season. You have become one of the La Liga players...

- I don't know if I became one of the best or not, I was concentrating on the team. It has been a tough season in which I have had a few injuries. But I am ambitious and I am looking forward to the future with a lot of desire and enthusiasm. I think the best is still ahead of me.

- How critical was the language issue for you?

- Many people in our team speak English. Besides, the language of football is international. Thanks to the coach, we created a real family in our locker room, and at first sight we managed to understand each other. Each of us always knows perfectly well where this or that partner is on the pitch.

- Why did you celebrate your first goal against Granada with a laser sword?

- I love the series "Star Wars", that's why I showed the sword. I put it in my car before the game against Granada because I knew I was going to score and it worked out perfectly. I really like Anakin Skywalker.

- You have a contract with Girona until 2027. Are you going to fulfil it completely?

- Right now I'm focused on Euro 2024, I'm doing my best. And during the season I didn't want to talk and hear about offers from other clubs, because I wanted to focus on Girona and make history with this team. And now I will play for my country and my goal is to have a great European Championship and bring joy to our people who need it. We'll see later on how things play out.

- Now they are talking about the interest in you from Bayern Munich and also from APL clubs. What do you think about it?

- All players dream of more, they want to play in big clubs, at the highest level. I am not an exception in this respect. Since I was a kid I wanted to play at a high level and of course I like the fact that the big clubs in Europe are looking out for me.

But I really don't know what will happen. In football, all sorts of things can happen. It's even possible that I've already played my last match for Girona, but again, I don't know what will happen with my future. "Girona has given me a lot and I am very grateful. Also, my family is very happy here and I feel very comfortable. If I stay here at Girona, it will be a great option because I am very happy here and I enjoy what I do. And if at the end of the day I have to leave Girona, I want to do it through the front door.

- If you do leave Girona, where would you like to continue your career? Is there any league that particularly catches your eye?

- When I was a kid, I watched a lot of football matches and the truth is that I didn't have the answer to your question. But now I feel that my dreams have come true as I am playing in one of the best leagues in the world.

- Will your upcoming Champions League appearance be something special for you?

- It's been a long time since I've heard the Champions League anthem and I'll be incredibly happy to hear it on the pitch again. It's something every footballer dreams of. To qualify for the Champions League is a dream and an incredible gift for everyone. When you're a kid, you want to play in the Champions League one day and when you do, you feel privileged. I am sure that at Girona we will enjoy this competition very much, we can perform very well there.

- Playing at Euro 2024 could have an impact on your career. Are you thinking about it?

- I only think about our national team, I don't care about individual things. I will represent the whole country together with my team-mates. Moreover, we know the situation of our people and now, more than ever, we need to give them some joy. We want to perform under our flag to remind everyone that there is still a war going on in our country and people are dying every day.

- What will be the goal for the Ukrainian national team at Euro 2024?

- We will go step by step, but it is necessary to overcome the group stage. It would be very good. We have a good team, and I think that we are able to create problems for any opponent.

- Your compatriot Artem Dovbik became the top scorer of the Spanish championship. What do you say about it?

- It was a great joy. He deserved it. In the last game it was obvious that the whole team helped Artem to become the top scorer. This is another sign that our team is a big family. And Dovbik is a great forward.

- How does Viktor Tsygankov look off the field?

- Very calm. I can`t get football out of my head. I think a lot about football, I like what I do. And off the field I have a very calm family life. I really like to go out and spend time with my family. I also want my son to be proud of me in the future.

- Do you want him to become a footballer?

- As a father, I would like that, but he will make his own decision when he grows up.

- What would you like to say to the Girona fans now?

- I want to thank the fans, because thanks to them we have achieved everything. We will try to enjoy the moment and hope to keep growing next season.

Talking to Marc Bernad Suelves

Translation and stylistic adaptation - Dynamo.kiev.ua, when using the material hyperlink is mandatory!