The midfielder of Kyiv’s "Dynamo", Mykola Mykhailenko, gave a football-related interview to the YouTube channel "GG.Sport".
— What did you eat for breakfast?
— Eggs, vegetables, and sandwiches with fish and avocado.
— How did you realize that football— is your life?
— Since childhood. My older brother always took me with him to football, and I had no other options. On my birthday, I always received a jersey and a ball—nothing else was needed.
— Who were your idols in childhood?
— Messi and Iniesta. From Ukraine—Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka.
— What was your first professional match like?
— I debuted in the UPL for "Chornomorets" in Chernihiv against "Desna". The match didn’t end as I hoped, but it was a very good experience.
— Why were you named Mykola?
— I was born on May 22, on the day of Saint Nicholas the Miracle Worker. The priest said it should be the name.
— What is your strongest football trait?
— I don’t like to talk about myself; let others evaluate.
— What would you like to change about yourself?
— More sports audacity, in a good sense.
— How do you cope with burnout?
— I tried to learn not to let it get to that state.
— Who is your most unpleasant opponent?
— At the Olympics, the Moroccan team was very strong.
— How do you handle criticism?
— I filter it. Some I take into account, and I ignore the rest, especially from social media.
— How has football changed you?
— It has influenced me a lot. You constantly communicate with different people and grow in competition. This is only positive.
— How do you spend your free time?
— Now mostly with my child and family. Walks, household chores, time with loved ones.
— What are your rituals on match day?
— I always have prayers with me. And, of course, standard things—phone, headphones.
— Mykhailenko at home and on the field— what’s the difference?
— In life, I am calm and non-conflictual. But on the field, I need to show sports audacity.
— Favorite moment at "Dynamo"?
— The first matches in the "Dynamo" jersey. I dreamed of returning from the loan and playing right here.
— The most emotional moment of the last season?
— The match against "Shakhtar" when we equalized the score at the end and played 2:2.
— Who motivates you in the "Dynamo" team?
— Andriy Yarmolenko.
— What is your biggest support in your life?
— My wife, as well as my parents and brother.
— Favorite stadium?
— The Lobanovskyi Stadium. The atmosphere there is special.
— What song do you associate with victory?
— "Free from Desire".
— Would you like to be called Mykolayovych on the field?
— No. If it happens—fine, but I don’t dream about it.
— How do you want to go down in "Dynamo" history?
— To be remembered as a good person, a professional, and a football player who is respected.