Adriano hails Shakhtar’s special UEFA Cup win

Luiz Adriano was in dreamland after spearheading Shakhtar Donetsk’s five-man Brazilian attack in Wednesday’s 2-1 UEFA Cup final triumph over Werder Bremen.

Adriano fired the Ukrainian outfit into a first half lead before his compatriot Jadson produced the extra time winner after Werder’s Naldo snatched the equaliser ten minutes before half time.

“My goal was one I have always dreamed of,” Adriano said.

“It was very important, it showed that we had come to play and to take home the title. It was a landmark for me and my career, as well as for the club and the team-mates that helped me reach this level.”

Reflecting on the importance of Ukraine’s first European trophy since independence he told UEFA’s official website: “It’s special.

“The club never even reached a UEFA Cup or Champions League final, so I don’t know how to describe the great emotions me and my team-mates are going through now.

“Five Brazilians play at Shakhtar, so it feels like family, but the Ukrainians are a part of it; the blend has had its reward. It’s a huge title and everyone is dancing and enjoying themselves now.”

Shakhtar manager Mircea Lucescu paid tribute to the German losers.

“We beat a very worthy adversary which had beaten Italian teams like AC Milan and Udinese to reach the final.

“After they scored the equaliser it became more difficult, we lost a bit of control of the game, but I believe we were the better team, we are the logical winners of this final.”