Oleksiy Sych: "A call-up to the national team is a new chapter in my life"

15.11.2024 11:00

Midfielder Oleksiy Sych shared his thoughts on his first-ever call-up to the Ukraine national team.

The FC Rukh Lviv player was brought into the squad after Oleksandr Tymchyk had to leave the training camp in Turkey due to an injury. Here’s what Sych said about this unexpected opportunity:

"I am overwhelmed with emotions. My wife and I were watching a series when I received a late-night call. It was our general director congratulating me on being called up to the national team. I was surprised and ecstatic. This is a new chapter in my life. I was ready to head to the training camp immediately. It’s a huge surprise, and I’m so happy to be here.

At first, I didn’t believe it. But when the coach called and others started congratulating me, it sank in. Unlike Nazarenko, I didn’t drop my phone, but my hands were shaking. A first call-up is an incredible feeling.

I left Lviv at 10 a.m. and arrived at the hotel in Turkiye around 1 or 2 a.m. The journey was tiring, but it’s a minor thing. The main thing is that I’m here. I know many of the players from the Olympic team and the U-21 squad. Of course, there are senior teammates I haven’t met yet, but I’m excited to get to know them.

Nazarenko and Brazhko, whom I know, have already messaged me. We’re in touch. My priority is to see the team win in these two matches. If I get the chance, I’m eager to contribute on the pitch."

The Ukraine national team will play two away matches in November as part of the 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League Group B1. On November 16, they face Georgia at the Adjara Bet Arena in Batumi, and on November 19, they take on Albania at Air Albania Stadium in Tirana.