The Ukrainian youth team returned home after completing their performances in the final stage of the 2023 European Championship, where Rusan Rotan's team finished among the top four teams on the continent.

Photo by Oksana Vasylyeva

On Thursday, July 6, the players and coaching staff departed from Bucharest to Chernivtsi by bus. Today, a warm welcome for the blue-and-yellow team on home soil was organized by local football club "Bukovina" fans who visited the hotel with national flags and footballs.

Photo by Oksana Vasylyeva

Young supporters greeted the team with a bright performance and an outstanding result at the European Championship, chatted with their idols, and received autographs and photos for memorabilia.

Photo by Oksana Vasylyeva

“We are returning to our homeland with great joy. It's a shame we didn't bring home any trophies, but we are proud of the first-ever qualification for the Olympics in Ukraine's history. Our boys have a bright future ahead, and I am confident that they will once again gift football fans a tournament of such high caliber. We could see this satisfaction not only with the result but also with the team's play both in Romania where we had great support and during our meeting with young footballers in Chernivtsi. It is pleasant to give positive emotions at such a difficult time, but all this is thanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine who allow us to pursue our beloved sport.” — Head coach Rusan Rotan commented on the meeting.

Photo by Oksana Vasylyeva