“The subject of my departure from the Shakhtar is discussed too often”

The 32-year-old midfielder was in excellent humor at a press conference leading up to the Inter game. Even the question that the next match could be the last in Shakhtar’s uniform in the Champions League did not bother the Brazilian.

– The meeting with Inter may be his last match for Shakhtar in the Champions League, if he has not changed his mind about his return to Brazil. Have you changed your mind?

– I don’t even know how to answer this question. Whether or not I am leaving is a topic that is discussed too often. Does it make any sense to ask about this now? I am currently focused on Shakhtar. This is a club that has helped me throughout the years that I have been here. I have six months until the end of the contract. And I will work as I have for the past five years. I will give all my strength and do my best on the field. As for my departure … Let’s better talk about the game with Inter. We have such an important game ahead of us, what is at stake is reaching the Champions League playoffs. I want to help the club, my teammates, this person who sits next to me and helps me every day (Luis Castro, – approx. Sport.ua). I want to help Shakhtar now.

– In the game with Inter, a lot will depend on the actions in defense. Have you prepared yourself for the fact that you will have to play with six defenders because you and, for example, Tete, will sink down the flanks?

– If we only defend, then we will not be the Shakhtar who shows his football. I will say that as Inter will defend, we will defend our goal from the opponent’s attacks. We will play as we play against Real Madrid, both at home and away, when we show good defense and attack. Everything will be decided in detail: the team that makes the fewest mistakes will go further.

– What should you pay attention to in the match against Inter?

– We go to all the games to win. I will speak of respect. Now a lot of people talk about money, players, the total cost of players. But money is not the most important thing. We know that our rivals have classified players, but we, in turn, try to show classified football. We always try to follow the instructions of the coach. Yes, sometimes we make mistakes and lose. But the most important thing is to respect your opponent and show your game.

The match between Inter – Shakhtar will be played on Wednesday, December 9 in Milan. Sport.ua will host an online text broadcast of the Inter – Shakhtar match.