The defender is fighting for a place in the basis of Everton and helps Ukraine in the war
Everton defender Vitaly Mikolenko said that the last six months have been the hardest for him. The Ukrainian is fighting for the main place in his new team, while his family remains in Kyiv during the war.
“Six months after my arrival in England were the most difficult in my life. It was hard for the club and for me personally. But when I went on the field, I gave myself completely to the game.
“My family is fine, they are in Kyiv. I talk to them daily. I hope everything goes well.”
“On the field was the only place where I could forget about everything and focus on football. I gave all the best, and the team helped me mentally. They supported me from the first day, ”said Mikolenko.
“Now the coverage of the war has died down in the UK. But constantly one of the teammates or coaches asks me how things are at home.
“I’m a little nervous before the match with Dynamo, I’ve never played against my former team. It is important for Ukraine to play such matches, to remind the world that the war is not over yet.”
Earlier it was reported that Mikolenko purchased 7 pickups for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Ukrainian also put up for a charity auction his game T-shirt autographed by Everton players. The player donated the proceeds from the sale to the volunteer organization Ukraine Alive 2022.
Vitaliy moved to Everton from Dynamo in the winter of 2022. Last season, he played 16 matches for the Irisok and scored one goal.
Everton will play their next match on July 29 against Dynamo at Goodison Park. Iriski will distribute free tickets to Ukrainian refugees for the upcoming charity match.
The new season of the English Premier League starts on August 5. In the first round on August 6, Everton will host Chelsea.
Source: Sportarena
