FCBARCELONA.CAT

31.08.2009 15:00

Chygrynskiy thanks Barça for persistence

Vanessa Forns

Dmytro Chygrynskiy thanked FC Barcelona for their persistence when trying to sign him throughout the process because he admitted that the path to Camp Nou "has not been an easy one".

On the last day of the summer transfer window the Ukrainian international underwent a medical and put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal with Barça before being presented to the fans and the media. Describing his move as a dream, Chygrynskiy paid tribute to his new club. "I am very pleased that Barcelona maintained their interest in buying me right up until the end," he explained. "I always hoped that I would move, but I could not do too much in case I offended my club. The negotiations were very difficult and at times they even reached breaking point. Finally, Barça's interest bore fruit and I am able to fulfil my dream and join them."

Its acquisition, a priority

Joan Laporta was also pleased to have landed his man after lengthy negotiations that he and technical secretary Txiki Begiristain undertook. "The talks were very long," the club president told the press. "This was a signing we really wanted and now he is here."

Personality and professionalism

"I would like to emphasise his personality and professionalism as well as the sense of responsibility that he has," Laporta said of Chygrynskiy. "His desire to join Barcelona was absolute. He already knows what 'més que un club' (more than a club) means and we hope that his period of adaptation will be quick and easy."

“The player we wanted”

Begiristain then explained that Barça persevered with their quest to land Chygrynskiy. "It was a long saga," he said. "The negotiations have been lengthy and difficult because we were talking to a club that wanted to keep their stars. But we have worked until the last day. We are talking about a player who has a profile that is difficult to find and is technically gifted.

"He will expand the quality that we have in that position immensely. We are confident that the future of Barça is secure with such talented young central defenders that we already have and with this new signing. I am sure that everyone will like him."

Ready for the challenge

Chygrynskiy then stated that he feels Barça and Shakhtar share a similar philosophy. "Both teams like to play with the ball. I am conscious of the size of the club that I have joined too. I want to now understand the culture and I am ready to give everything and to adapt to my new surroundings quickly."