African striker Lassina Traore, despite the war, did not leave Shakhtar and recently joined the team at a pre-season training camp in the Netherlands.

The 21-year-old striker of the Burkina Faso national team admitted that he was worried about the Ukrainians, who suffered from a full-scale war unleashed by Russia..

" It was great to see everyone again. It hurts me for what is happening in Ukraine. I am very worried about all Ukrainians. I am with you. Hope everything gets better soon.

Warmly greeted everyone. I am happy to see the players, and the coaches, and the management. Only positive emotions. I train without the ball. I'll get in shape soon. I am fully recovered. I can run and kick the ball. I don't have any problems.

Met Igor Jovichevich, but knew about him before. We had a very good conversation. He knows English very well, there will be no problems with communication," Lassina moved to Shakhtar in the summer of 2021 from Ajax Amsterdam. Last September, he seriously injured his knee in a Champions League match against Inter Milan.. Traore underwent surgery and was out of the game for 10 months. Before the injury, the African managed to play for the Pitmen in 14 matches, scored 9 goals.

Traore became the only legionnaire who did not leave Shakhtar after the start of a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukrainian territories. Due to the war, the Donetsk club sold midfielders Marcos Antonio to Lazio, David Neres to Benfica, striker Fernando to Salzburg, and midfielder Alan Patrick signed a contract with Brazilian Internacional.

Defenders Marquinhos Cipriano (Cruzeiro), Vitao (Internacional), Vinicius Tobias (Real Madrid), wingers Tete (Lyon) and Pedrinho (Atletico Mineiro) continue to play on loan abroad.

The Donetsk club is preparing for the new season under the guidance of Croatian specialist Igor Jovicevich, who replaced Italian Roberto De Zerbi as head coach.