Mudryk: Football is one of the things that make Ukrainian people smile

Despite his desire to play in England, 

, 

Shakhtar Donetsk 

winger, says that football is "more than a game" for the people of Ukraine as they endure the conflict with Russia.

The 21-year-old has stood out in the Champions League, where he has scored twice in two games (a 4-1 win over 

 and a 1-1 draw against Celtic in Glasgow).

After Russia's invasion of 

Ukraine

 in February, Shakhtar's Champions League matches have been moved to Poland. On Tuesday, 

will host Ukraine's Nations League match against 

Scotland

. Mudryk thinks these games are vital for the people still reeling from the war's effects, and he's right that football has the power to bring joy to the world.

"We must adapt because we don't have a choice. We must play because it is our work, but every day we're thinking about our Ukrainian soldiers and our Ukrainian people,"

 he told The Times. 

"I am very proud to be Ukrainian. The spirit of our country is high because in this war we can always see the great spirit of Ukraine. I feel that football is more than a game at the moment for the people of Ukraine.

"In this situation, we have a lot of sad moments, and football is one of the things that make Ukrainian people smile. We play to bring a smile on our people's faces."

Mudryk has stated that a transfer to the English Premier League is a possible goal for the future. 

"Yes, yes, it is possible. The Premier League is the best league in the world and everyone wants to play in this league,

" he said.

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