In times of war, football can also make a difference. The developments of the transition to Chelsea from Mihajlo Mudrykjewel of Shakhtar Donetsk and fromUkraine. The number is monstrous 100 million euros for a 22-year-old player with boundless talent (for his former coach Roberto de Zerbi he is “a potential Ballon d’Or”) but with little experience in Europe and indeed only two real seasons behind him. But the news may be different: Shakhtar have announced the allocation 23 of the millions collected by the London club to “help the soldiers and their families” fighting the war in Ukraine.
The result: the transfer market makes its small contribution to the Ukrainians’ fight against the Russian army. Even more paradoxical considering the former Chelsea president Roman Abramovichthe Russian oligarch (but of Ukrainian origin) had to sell the blues precisely because of his closeness due to the sanctions imposed by the British government Wladimir Putin.
Shakhtar started the project Heart of Azovstal in support of the defenders of Mariupol and the families of the fallen. “Their brave acts are unparalleled in modern history,” said the Shakhtar President Rinat Akhmetov -. It was they who, with their sacrifice and courage, helped to contain the enemy offensive in the first months of the war and now made us all feel the inevitability of Ukraine’s victory.” The money will be “used for various purposes,” explains Akhmetov – . From the supply of medical material and prostheses to psychological support and specific inquiries. To ensure its transparency, the project will have an independent professional team that will be in contact with Azovstal defenders, their families, health workers and volunteers Donbass Arena in one Donetsk Ukrainian”.