Vitalii Mykolenko: “Moving to Everton is a big and important step in my life. I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League. English football is where the game was born and I think that it will suit my game very well."
Monday 10 January 2022 18:13, UK
Everton have signed Ukraine international Vitalii Mykolenko from Dynamo Kiev on a four-and-a-half-year contract.
The 22-year-old, who joins for an undisclosed fee, has won 21 caps for his country and will fill the left-back position which has proved troublesome in the extended non-injury related absence of Lucas Digne.
He becomes Rafael Benitez's sixth signing since taking charge at Goodison Park and Mykolenko is confident he can thrive in the Premier League.
"English football is where the game was born and I think that it will suit my game very well," he said.
"I am 22 but I don't feel like a youngster. I have experience of playing at European level and hope I will continue to improve as a player.
"I am excited about the opportunity of playing in front of our supporters at Everton. I have seen the last few games at Goodison Park and they were unbelievable."
Mykolenko was part of the Ukraine team that reached the Euro 2020 quarter-finals last summer while he won a league title with Dynamo Kiev last season and featured in their last two Champions League campaigns.
Handed his first-team debut by Dynamo aged 18, Mykolenko can also play in central defence and as a wing-back.
"I like to play on the front foot and get forward when I can," said Mykolenko, who made 132 appearances for Dynamo, scoring seven goals and providing 20 assists.
"Modern football demands that full-backs are able to attack as well as defend. I think I am a versatile defender who can get up and down the pitch.
"But I believe desire and commitment are the most important attributes and I will aim to bring those qualities.
"I hope it won't take me too long to settle in and get used to the style of football.
"I feel great right now and it is very important for me to communicate with the team, the management and the fans.
"For that, I need to learn the language and understand culture of this city, this country and this club. I will do my very best.
"I believe here at Everton, with the club's traditions and ambitions, I will grow as a person and as a player."
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