Sergiy Sydorchuk pays tribute to retiring Taras Stepanenko
Former Dynamo Kyiv captain Sergiy Sydorchuk has thanked Taras Stepanenko for their years of professional rivalry and partnership in the national team.
Photo: sport.ua
Westerlo midfielder Sergiy Sydorchuk has expressed his gratitude and respect for his long-time rival and national team teammate, Taras Stepanenko. The legendary Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder recently announced his retirement from professional football following his final match with Kolos in the Ukrainian Premier League.
Sydorchuk noted that Stepanenko had been a role model for him since their early days together at Metalurh Zaporizhzhia. "For me, Taras has always been an example of someone who clearly sees their goals and does everything to achieve them," Sydorchuk wrote.
For me, Taras Stepanenko has always been an example of someone who clearly sees their goals and does everything to achieve them. Thank you for this journey, my friend. Sergiy Sydorchuk
Despite years of fierce competition on opposite sides of the "Clasico" rivalry, their battles were defined by mutual respect. Sydorchuk emphasized that competing against a player of such caliber helped him grow as a professional.
Stepanenko is now set to transition into a new role, joining the coaching staff of the Ukrainian national team, which will be led by Italian specialist Andrea Maldera.