Rinat Akhmetov, the president of Shakhtar Donetsk, had “mixed feelings” following Mykhailo Mudryk’s Sunday sale to Chelsea for a record sum.
Premier League champions and rivals from London, Arsenal, lost out to Chelsea in the race to sign Mudryk for a rumoured sum that might reach £89 million (€100 million).
The 22-year-old signed an eight-and-a-half-year contract with Chelsea, earning Chelsea the largest sum ever paid to a Ukrainian team.
Although Akhmetov was sad to see the Ukrainian international leave, he is looking forward to watching Mudryk succeed at Stamford Bridge, where he saw the Blues defeat Crystal Palace 1-0 on Sunday. The Ukrainian international is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in world football.
⚒ From debut to the team leader 🧡 Thank you for everything, Mykhailo 👏
— FC SHAKHTAR ENGLISH (@FCShakhtar_eng) January 15, 2023
🙏 We wish you success in the new phase of your career! 🇺🇦#Shakhtar #Mudryk pic.twitter.com/e8mqGXN39B
Akhmetov told the club’s official website: “I have mixed feelings. In order to win European trophies, I should invite such footballers as Mudryk to our club, to our Ukrainian league and not send them to the best championships and the best clubs in the world.
“However, I am sure that Mykhaylo will win respect, sympathy and love of all connoisseurs of world football with his speed, his technique, his impressive and beautiful play.
“Mykhaylo Mudryk is a Shakhtar graduate. The player joined the Academy of the Miners in 2016 and debuted with the senior team in the autumn of 2018 at age 17.
“Mudryk became the Ukrainian Super Cup winner (2021) together with the team. Fans recognised Mykhaylo Mudryk as Shakhtar Player of the Year twice (2021, 2022).
“FC Shakhtar thanks Mykhaylo for impressive play, good and important goals, and significant contribution to the team’s victories. We wish you success in the strongest league in the world, many trophies and personal awards, great career achievements and constant enjoyment of football.”