Ukrainian midfielder of the Polish "Lechia" Bogdan Vyunnik recalled in an interview with Onet about his transition at the age of 15 from Kyiv’s Dynamo to Donetsk’s Shakhtar.
Bogdan Vyunnik— As a junior, you transitioned from Kyiv’s "Dynamo" to Donetsk’s "Shakhtar." It is well known that these are two of the largest Ukrainian clubs, and to put it mildly, they do not get along.
— I think in terms of having this story, I’m an interesting person for journalists. (Laughs). As a teenager, I already took a step that was unpopular, which you’re talking about. But at that time, I had no doubts.
I clearly remember the time spent at "Dynamo." We became champions of Ukraine among U-15 teams. But then, the Spaniard Alberto Bosch, who was my coach, left "Dynamo." Currently, he works in the coaching staff of the national team of Ukraine. When he was no longer in "Dynamo," I decided that the best option for me would be to move to "Shakhtar." At that time (in 2017, — ed. note), a lot was happening, and I was confident in my decision.
— How did this transition happen?
— Quickly. "Shakhtar" invited me for negotiations, and three days later I had almost made my decision. I understood that in this club I would have better conditions for development. The formalities took a bit longer, and I waited at home for about two weeks until everything was settled. During this time, representatives from "Dynamo" came to visit me. They had called me several times before, but I didn’t answer.
That day, people from "Dynamo" arrived at our house and wanted to talk to me and my parents, persuading me to stay in Kyiv. They were agents, directors, and even the club president himself. But I am the kind of person who, once I’ve made a decision, does not back down from it. And I did not back down.
— How did you feel about this? After all, you were only 15 years old back then.
— It took about two weeks, but I managed. And then events developed very quickly. When everything became clear, I joined the team for the training camp, which took place near Uzhhorod. I drove for about 16 hours in a car, and as soon as I arrived, I immediately played in a match, came onto the field in the second half, and scored two goals right away. For me, it was a wonderful feeling.
— What did "Dynamo" teach you as a player, and what did "Shakhtar" teach you?
— At "Dynamo," I experienced one of the best stories of my life. I scored goals, made assists, and the whole team lived in a special center. I remember that time very well; we were very united both on and off the field.
At Donetsk’s "Shakhtar," I spent another period of my life because I played in the U-16 team and then moved to the first team. I was already older and engaged in football at an adult level. Today, I can say that in my heart, there is both "Dynamo" and "Shakhtar".
— Is this possible?
— Of course. I have wonderful memories of both clubs. I want to remember the best of everything. Now I try to approach Donetsk’s "Shakhtar" exactly that way, because despite the current situation with them ("Shakhtar" has sued Vyunnik for the transfer to "Lechia," — ed. note), this club has given me a lot, and I have left my heart with it. I debuted in the Champions League wearing "Shakhtar" colors at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in a match against "Real." I will never forget this.
— We talk a lot about "Dynamo" and "Shakhtar," but before that, you were at Kharkiv’s "Metalist," a club from your hometown.
— This is also part of my life. The "Metalist" academy included me among its best students, which is a great honor for me. At "Metalist," we had a completely different system than at "Dynamo" and "Shakhtar." They tried to follow the example of the Netherlands and become a club similar to "Ajax." Most of all, I worked on my technique, and it was there that I learned the most important elements in this regard that later helped me succeed at other clubs. I have great affection for "Metalist." It is a club that I also love.
Translation and stylistic adaptation — Dynamo.kiev.ua, when using the material hyperlink is mandatory!
