On 31 May, the Ukrainian national team, which is preparing for the start of Euro 2024, held two training sessions at its German training camp. In the afternoon, La Liga's top scorer Artem Dovbyk joined the national team. The newly minted Pichichi arrived in Munich on a flight from Barcelona and immediately joined the team.
"I didn't bring the Piccioli Trophy to the national team camp, because I will receive the prize itself only in December. It is this month that Marca awards its winners. Where will it be kept? I have a place at home where I keep all my awards. This season I have collected a lot of them. But I think my wife and daughter will find a place to put another trophy.
Of course, before the start of the season, I had no idea that I could win this award, but during the season I realised that I could compete for it. At the end of the season, I had every chance of winning the prize. And so it happened. This is a reward for those who supported me throughout the season. It is also a reward for our armed forces. I have many friends who are now at the front, and they also supported me. This is a reward for my family and the whole country.
My partner Christian Stuani named me as the first candidate for the Piccius trophy. It happened, I think, after the 5th round, when I made a double. I had only three goals at the time. The next morning we met for breakfast and he said to me: "Hello, Pichichi". And he called me that throughout the season. He must have known something. With this nickname, Stuani added motivation to me and set me up for the whole championship.
Did Sorlot and Bellingham congratulate me on the trophy? No, they didn't. Bellingham is currently preparing for the Champions League final, and I would like to wish Sorlot a speedy recovery from his injury.
"I spent a lot of energy this season, because I played in almost every Girona match. It's good that I ended it on such a high note. Both for me and the team, because getting into the Champions League is a historic moment for Girona. Of course, I was tired, but I've had a couple of days' rest and I'm ready to work for the national team.
As for my personal task for the European Championships, I don't like to speculate in advance. I just want our national team to demonstrate its potential to the best of its ability at this Euro. I will not set any special tasks for myself. We need to prepare well and give our best, because we have at least three tough matches ahead of us," said Artem Dovbyk.