In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, Ukrainian international Sudakov opens up and shares his vision for his future career, his reflections on the Europa League loss, and his high opinion of teammate Mudrik.
Career Dream: Challenging the Big Five
Sudakov began by talking about his professional dream: "I have always dreamed of playing in one of Europe's top five leagues. But I am also well aware that it is not easy to realize this goal. The competitive environment, mentality adjustment, cultural integration and language barrier are all challenges I need to face. However, I am well prepared and looking forward to it. I am trying to learn English in order to better adapt to the new environment."
Euro reflections: disappointment and growth at the same time
Reflecting on the just-concluded Europa League, Sudakov said, "We are very disappointed with the outcome of the tournament. We had hoped to go far, but reality dealt us a heavy blow. However, this experience is also a rare opportunity for us to grow. We will not make excuses, nor will we shirk our responsibilities because we are young. We have a quality team that should be able to at least make it out of the group stage. This loss has made us more aware of our shortcomings and pointed us in the right direction for future endeavors."
Teammate Mudrick: Unlimited Potential and Power of Example
Speaking about teammate Mudric, Sudakov's words were full of praise: "Mudric is an incredible player. He is incredibly talented and has unlimited potential. In my opinion, he is fully capable of winning the Ballon d'Or on his own. Of course, he will have to earn it himself. Mudryk is not only a treasure of Ukrainian soccer, but also a great example for all of us to follow. His outstanding performances inspire each and every one of us to keep moving forward and fight for the honor of Ukrainian soccer."
