Anna Petrik: Sparta - an interesting project that allows for development

Anna Petryk has been a key player for the Ukrainian national team for years. In her homeland, she has been a champion several times, doing so with three different teams - Zhytlobud-1, Vorskla Poltava, and FC Kharkiv (last season the team was named Metalist 1925 - ed.).

A week ago, it became known that she joined Prague's Sparta - the current champion of the Czech Republic, who reached the semi-finals of the European Cup last season (equivalent to the Europa League in men's football - ed.).

"Champion" was interested in what the footballer remembers most from her time with FC Kharkiv for two seasons, and also learned about her expectations for the new stage of her career.

- First of all, what do you remember most from your time with the Kharkiv team?

- I can't highlight just one thing, as I have many warm and important memories associated with the team. It was a wonderful journey that made me stronger as a player and as a person. In the first season, we couldn't achieve our main goal - to win the championship and the Ukrainian Cup. It saddened me a lot back then. But that season helped us understand our mistakes, draw the right conclusions, and find the path to success.

The second year was special because we completed the "golden double." I am very proud of the team and the path we traveled together.

- Now, let's specify a bit. Which match with the then Metalist 1925 team do you remember the most?

- I remember our first Champions League match against the Swedish team Hammarby the most. Despite the result (the Ukrainian club lost 4-5 in a high-scoring game), every player fought until the last minute. That's when I truly felt the strength of our team's character.

The atmosphere at the stadium was incredible, with many fans, and because of the noise, we couldn't even communicate properly. But at the same time, we acted as one. In my opinion, we just lacked experience and a little time back then. Despite everything, I am very proud of the girls and our team.

- Slavia, the main rival of your new club, has players Kateryna Korsun and Roksolana Kravchuk. Did you ask them anything before the move? For example, about the championship or the city?

- I didn't ask anything before the move because I had already talked to the girls before and knew well about the championship and life in the Czech Republic. But one thing remains unchanged - our principled rivalry (smiles).

Initially, we were rivals in the Ukrainian championship, and now we will meet in the Czech championship. I think it will be no less interesting.

- Last season, Sparta reached the semi-finals of the European Cup. Now - starting in the third round of the Champions League qualification, one step away from the group stage. Is the opportunity to play in European competitions one of the key factors in choosing a club?

- For me, it was essential to see the club's ambitions and understand how it plans to achieve its goals. Sparta has already proven that it can perform successfully in European competitions, and I really hope that this season we can show no less of a result.

It's an interesting project for me, providing an opportunity to develop, progress, and become stronger as a player.

- You already have experience as a foreign player. What challenges did you face when playing for Iceland's Breidablik in the spring of 2022, and what did you enjoy at that time?

- My first experience playing abroad was not exactly as I imagined it. At that time, my psychological state didn't allow me to fully enjoy that period and make the most of it. But this experience taught me a lot.

The most important thing for me is to adapt to a new country, team, and way of life as quickly as possible. The faster you succeed, the easier it is to show yourself on the field. It's a bit easier for me now because the Czech Republic is much closer to Ukraine in terms of mentality and way of life, so I hope the adaptation will be smoother.

And what brings me the most satisfaction, as before, is football itself, the opportunity to become better every day. Stepping out of your comfort zone pushes you to grow. So I don't want to rush, I want to give myself time to enjoy the process.