A graduate of “Dnipro” and one of the brightest Ukrainian forwards of recent decades, Oleksiy Antonov recalled his performances for the national team of Ukraine.
— In the summer of 2011, Oleksiy Antonov received his first call-up to the Ukrainian national team. How did you find out and what did you feel?
— I can hardly remember exactly how I found out; someone from “Dnipro” said that I was called up.
The emotions were incredible. I think every footballer dreams of playing for the national team, so the first call-up was a real emotional uplift for me.
— How did you plan to win the competition in the national team?
— At that time, there were real stars in the national team: Shevchenko, Voronin, Milevsky, Devich, Seleznyov. So for me, the call-up was a great achievement and at the same time an opportunity that I had to take advantage of.
— Tell us about your matches for the national team.
— I played in two. In the first one — I came on as a substitute (0:1 against Sweden in 2011), in the second one — I started (2:1 against Nigeria in 2014). I debuted at the “Metalist” stadium. Kharkiv is a special city for me: debut in the national team, career revival, and later as a coach — leading “Chornomorets” in the UPL.
— A lucky city?
— Absolutely. Both as a player and as a coach — key moments of my football life happened in Kharkiv.
— Were you intimidated in the company of Voronin, Shevchenko, and others?
— The atmosphere in the national team was easy and comfortable. I was amazed by players like Voronin, Shevchenko, and Milevsky — these are real stars. I was a bit nervous and embarrassed, but just being around them felt special.
Oleg Blokhin noticed my tension and invited me for a conversation. He said: “Don’t worry, just play your football, calmly.” After these words, I gained confidence, and I am very grateful to him for that.
Igor Lysenko