Ukrainian footballer Slavia Taras Kacharaba called today’s retaliatory match of the opening round of the elimination phase of the European Conference League against Fenerbahka Istanbul the most mentally difficult in his career due to the Russian attack on his homeland.
The 27-year-old stopper was moved by the support he received from his teammates, club and fans in Eden. He led the Vršovice team as a captain to a 3: 2 victory and a promotion.
“It was mentally my hardest match, because what is happening in Ukraine now is not possible. It is the worst day of my life, for my family, for my Ukraine, for all the people who live there,” Kacharaba said. “I am proud to be Ukrainian. I want to thank the boys who are defending our country,” he said.
He was repeatedly supported by fans before, during and after the match. During the final thank you, he and another Ukrainian Slavia player, Maksym Talovjerov, pulled him out on the podium in front of the North Grandstand and led him to a post-match shout.
“I would like to thank Slavia, the club management and the fans for the great support they showed me. Even after the match, everyone shouted at Ukraine. Thank you very much. I have a hard time finding words,” Kacharaba said.
He admitted that it was very difficult for him to concentrate on the match. “I tried to concentrate on the match, but I read the news all day. All my thoughts were with Ukraine and my family. This morning, my parents and I woke up, they wrote that what had begun began,” Kacharaba said.
“I went to the field and I tried to do my job. A lot of guys in Ukraine defend my country. I’m a football player in Slavia. I tried to show that I was Ukrainian. I wanted to do my best to please at least some pleasure. his fans and Slavia’s fans, “Kačaraba said.
“For me and for all of us, this is the worst time that could have been. Now I will go home and continue to contact the family and the people who are now in Ukraine,” the defender added.
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