He only played a handful of minutes, but they will certainly remain in his head for a long time. Coming into play in the 88th minute on Wednesday during the match against Ireland, Girondins de Bordeaux midfielder Danylo Ignatenko (25) celebrated his first selection in the jersey of Ukraine. And he was able to celebrate, with his teammates victory (0-1) against Ireland, for the first day of the League of Nations at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
A match that necessarily took place in a particular context, more than three months after the start of the conflict in Ukraine. Despite this, Zbirna players have almost qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, only beaten by Wales, Sunday in the play-off final. Before that, the Ukrainians had dominated Scotland (3-1) in the semi-finals, two meetings which had given rise to scenes of solidarity, the Scottish public, for example, singing the Ukrainian anthem before the match.
A future in Gironde?
If Danylo Ignatenko did not participate in these two meetings, he lived them as close as possible to a group which he joined once the season ended with the Girondins de Bordeaux. Loaned by Shakhtar Donetsk to the Girondins,Danylo Ignatenko has made good performance, especially at the end of the season, making three assists in his last four games. He could stay in Bordeaux next season, if the Girondins decide to exercise the purchase option provided for in the contract. Coach David Guion said in an interview with Sud Ouest that he wanted to rely on him, along with Anel Ahmedhodzic and Sékou Mara.