"We were all in reception together until 6 a.m. but did not go and afterwards we slept until 12, then we had a meeting at 2 and a game at 4 p.m. We lost, but this is part of our life."
"Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on Feb. 24, 2022 and The Center for Strategic International Studies (CSIS) believes it is the deadliest conflict since World War II. Estimates vary, but the CSIS states as many as 140,000 Ukrainians have been killed in addition to 325,000 Russians."
"The policy began more than 20 years ago, a product of Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov's fondness for the country's flamboyant football style. The club established an extensive network of contacts in Brazil and over time, created a lineage of players who would join Shakhtar and then, later, an elite European side."
Shakhtar Donetsk's sporting director describes the harsh reality of operating during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began February 24, 2022, and has caused an estimated 140,000 Ukrainian and 325,000 Russian deaths. Despite drone strikes forcing players and staff to shelter in hotels, the club maintains operations. Shakhtar's survival strategy centers on a two-decade-old policy of signing young Brazilian players, leveraging president Rinat Akhmetov's appreciation for Brazilian football style. The club developed extensive Brazilian contacts, creating a pipeline where young talents join Shakhtar before transferring to elite European clubs. Notable graduates include Willian, Fernandinho, Douglas Costa, Fred, and Luiz Adriano. Recently, winger Kevin transferred to Fulham for €40 million, a record fee for the Premier League club.
Read at ESPN.com
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