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Published: Saturday August 29, 2009 MYT 12:04:00 PM

Chygrynskyy excited about impending Barca move

MONACO: Shakhtar Donetsk defender Dmytro Chygrynskyy is excited about his impending move to Barcelona, even though he found it tough playing against his future club in Friday's European Super Cup defeat.

The 22-year-old Chygrynskyy expects the move to Barca to be completed by Sunday, subject to him passing a medical.

"I don't want to say before the medical (is completed), but I hope everything will be good and I will sign a contract," Chygrynskyy said.

"Of course Barcelona is a great team, and for me it is the biggest pleasure to become a player of this team. I hope to become a part of this great family."

In what was likely his last game for Shakhtar, Chygrynskyy defended bravely as the UEFA Cup winner from Ukraine held out until substitute Pedro Rodriguez scored deep into extra time to give Champions League winner Barcelona a 1-0 win.

"It was a little bit strange, but I am a professional. We lost, but we played well," Chygrynskyy said at Stade Louis II.

"I hope that I will grow with (Barcelona). I am sure the team will become better and better, and I hope that I will become a serious part of this team."

Chygrynskyy was a key player in the Shakhtar team that beat Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup final in May, and has played 19 times for Ukraine.

There is more to his game than a broad build and a strong physical presence, as demonstrated by the several perfect long passes he hit from defense on Friday.

"I would like to congratulate the club for hiring somebody where we had a hole (in the squad)," Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said.

"My feeling is that Barcelona has done a great job signing him."

No details have yet been given on the transfer fee, but the duration of the contract is reportedly five years.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said Chygrynskyy will be the first Ukrainian to play for Barcelona.

"For us it would be a great honor," Laporta said on Friday.

According to Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu, Chygrynskyy may not be the only Shakhtar player to make the move to Barca.

"I am sure in the future more Shakhtar players will sign for Barcelona," Lucescu said.

"I will produce another player, it's not a problem ... Other coaches always want to buy other players - I always want to sell them." - AP


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