October 22nd 2024.
After the intense match between Shakhtar Donetsk and Arsenal in the Champions League, Shakhtar's manager, Marino Pusic, couldn't help but praise his team's efforts and their representation of not just the club, but the country as well. Despite losing 1-0 to Arsenal, the Ukrainian team proved to be a formidable opponent, especially considering their circumstances. With no home ground and still coping with the effects of the war, Shakhtar gave Arsenal a real scare at the Emirates Stadium.
The away end was filled with Ukraine flags, and one player in particular caught the attention of the fans - Oleksandr Zinchenko. Although he remained on the Arsenal bench for the entire game, Zinchenko made a point to show his appreciation for the Shakhtar fans after the match. He went over to the away end, full of his compatriots, and applauded them for their unwavering support. He even gifted his shirt to one lucky fan, making their day.
It was a heartwarming moment that didn't go unnoticed by Pusic, who described Zinchenko as a "great guy". In fact, the defender had even visited the Shakhtar dressing room after the game to show his support and listen to Pusic's post-match speech. He was also seen taking pictures with the squad and signing an Arsenal shirt for them to take back home.
Zinchenko's journey has taken him from being captain of Shakhtar's youth team, to playing for Ufa in 2015, Manchester City in 2016, and finally Arsenal in 2022. And even though he now represents a rival team, his love for his country and former club remains evident.
As footage of Zinchenko's interaction with the away fans played, Pusic spoke highly of the passion and pride they have for the club and country. Despite the tough loss, he was proud of his team's performance, especially in the second half where they dominated at times. Pusic's message to the players was to believe in themselves, and that they had nothing to lose. He was impressed by their attitude and positivity, especially considering their tough travel schedule.
On the other side, Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, was pleased with the result despite his team making it harder for themselves. After their unbeaten run was ended by Bournemouth, the Gunners needed this win before their crucial match against Liverpool. And although they should've scored more in the first half, Arteta acknowledged the fatigue from playing with 10 men for 60 minutes in their previous game. He was proud of his team for digging in and securing the three points.
With the win, Arsenal sit fourth in the new Champions League format, while Shakhtar are in 29th place. But for the Shakhtar fans, this match was about more than just the result. It was about showing their support and pride for their team, and the heartwarming moment with Zinchenko only added to the emotional connection between the club and its fans.
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