Shakhtar midfielder Bernard gave an interview on the eve of the match with Roma.

Already next week, Shakhtar will meet with Roma in the 1/8 finals of the Champions League.

During the media day, organized before the next round of the most prestigious European club tournament, Bernard answered questions from UEFA.

- Bernard, was the short growth an obstacle in the beginning of your career?.

- Yes, and serious. In the youthful composition of Atletico Mineiro I encountered a lot of prejudice on this topic, several people told me that I can not become a professional because of the growth. As they tried to humiliate me, the desire for success only increased, I wanted to win and show what I was capable of. So it never hindered me, but only forced me to be more resolute, to add every day, to develop and achieve what I always dreamed of.

- How did the physical data affect the style of the game and the role?.

- With low growth, I also can not boast of the physique that they want to see in modern football. Therefore, I had to develop other innate qualities: maneuverability and speed. I have to think a little faster to anticipate the direction of movement and to compensate for the physical contact factor. I understand both my limitations and my strengths, I try to make the most of the latest.

- What did you progress in the Shakhtar?.

- In many directions. Unfortunately, Brazilian academies pay little attention to tactics. At the same time, here I seem to have completed my football education thanks to the knowledge gained from Paul Fonseca. He really helped, and now it's easier for me to make decisions at key moments, when I need to react 2-3 seconds faster. I seriously developed not only as a football player, but also as a person, became much more mature.

- This is your fourth season in the Champions League, and in the current campaign you have an extremely important role: in all six matches you went in the start and scored three goals ... - Yes, this season was special for me, I am very pleased, glad I could help Miner goals and transfers. But not only me, but our entire team is incredibly cool in the tournament, which reflects the work of the head coach. We performed well, but this is only the first step. There are important meetings with Roma in the 1/8 finals: they must concentrate on them, understanding how difficult it will be. For me, this is one of the most significant confrontations of the season.

- As part of the Romans, four Brazilians. What are their strong qualities?.

- There is no doubt that they are wonderful performers, otherwise they would not have been in Roma, a club with a rich history. It is important for us to realize their strength and quality as a team. We will try to implement everything on the field in milliseconds, use our best sides and weak points of the opponent, because they all have.

- What successes in the Champions League mean for the team and its fans?.

- This is a huge source of happiness. We had a difficult group: many said that we would not be able to become even third and go to the Europa League. However, we qualified in the 1/8 finals, bypassing the leader of Serie A Napoli. Manchester City in the first place in England, and we also managed to win. Every day we work on ourselves and prepare hard. And this Champions League becomes special thanks to the clubs that we beat, and the way we acted on the field.

- The miner adapted to the Metalist arena in Kharkov? Do you feel almost at home there?.

- It is not simple. Unfortunately, I had to leave Donetsk, an excellent stadium and atmosphere.

Donbass will always remain our home. However, after going through all the tests, we really got accustomed to Kharkov. At the USC Metallist we experience the happiest moments of victories! It seems to me that the attachment to this city after everything that he gave us is already very strong. And I hope that we will also be able to make Kharkov happier.

The first match between Shakhtar and Roma will be held on February 21 in Kharkov. The return match in Rome will be held on March 13.