This summer, Qarabağ spoke once again about the transfer of Leandro Andrade to Ukraine's Polesye team.
Medianews.az reports that the Cape Verdean footballer, in a statement to his new club's press service, said he will not forget the years he spent at the Aghdam representative:
"It is not easy to leave a place that has become my home over the past four and a half years. I made lifelong friends there and felt the great love of the fans. They often called me the 'golden boy.'
I wanted to stay in Europe and play for a club that strives to develop. I talked with some players who had played here. These conversations helped me better understand how the club works and significantly influenced my decision."
He also revealed what his former Qarabağ teammate Aleksey Kashuk said about Polesye:
"When I mentioned the club's name, he immediately said 'go.' That was his first reaction. Kashuk said that Ukraine is a very good country, people are friendly, and I will feel at home. I think the mentality here is not very different from that of Portugal and even Cape Verde."
The footballer stated that before going to Ukraine, he also consulted Qarabağ’s Ukrainian physiotherapist: "There were certain risks for me. For a foreigner not sufficiently informed about the war, this could cause concern. But there are many legionnaires who have been playing in Ukraine for a long time, and fortunately, nothing has happened to them."
Andrade highlighted the most memorable match of his career as the game against Benfica:
"I played in the Champions League against the club I have supported since childhood. In that match, we managed to score a goal and win 3-2."
He also spoke about possible opponents in the Conference League:
"Last season, Qarabağ faced Copenhagen. They are a very strong team. Even though we led 1-0, they took the initiative. Nevertheless, we also scored a goal. I want our team to have a successful performance in the Conference League. Regardless of the opponent, we must always believe in ourselves."
//QOL.az