Shakhtar Donetsk president sends message to Chelsea fans after Mudryk signing

Shakhtar Donetsk’s president, Rinat Akhmetov, has sent a message to Chelsea fans on what to expect from new signing Mykhailo Mudryk.

The 22-year-old was heavily linked with a switch to Premier League leaders Arsenal during the January transfer window, but Chelsea swooped in to hijack the deal.

The Blues were keen to bring in attacking reinforcements after Graham Potter confirmed that Christian Pulisic will spend at least one month on the sidelines.

Negotiations were swift with Mudryk unveiled as Chelsea faced Crystal Palace on Sunday, and he will now train with his teammates this week ahead of their clash against Liverpool.

While Mudryk was one of the brightest talents in world football, Chelsea fans will be forgiven for not knowing too much about the young winger, who has spent the early stages of his career in Ukraine.

READ MORE: Chelsea complete £88m transfer of Mudryk after successful Arsenal hijacking

Luckily for the Blues, Shakhtar Donetsk president Akhmetov has penned a public letter which thanks Mudryk for his time at the club and informs supporters of just what sort of player Chelsea have acquired.

Taking to their official website, he wrote: Dear friends and fans, FC Shakhtar has signed a final agreement with Chelsea FC and thus Ukrainian footballer Mykhaylo Mudryk will continue his career with the Blues in the strongest national championship, the English Premier League.”

The letter continued to thank the world for support shown to the country and Ukrainian football before discussing the transfer of Mudryk to Stamford Bridge.

READ MORE: Chelsea fans spot what Joao Felix did to welcome Mykhailo Mudryk after Shakthar Donetsk transfer

“I have mixed feelings today,” he continued. “On the one hand, I am happy for Mykhaylo and proud of him.

“This guy is leading by example, showing that talent and hard work can make the impossible possible. I am absolutely confident that the entire Europe will acclaim Mykhaylo’s brilliant and fine play.”

It was later confirmed that Chelsea will face Shakhtar Donetsk in a friendly as part of the transfer negotiations, with a date set to be confirmed later.

Chelsea’s acquisition of Mudryk sees them add firepower to their attack following the arrivals of Benoit Badiashile, Andrey Santos, David Datro Fofana and Joao Felix.

The Blues may not be done there, with the likes of Noni Madueke and Marcus Thuram also linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Graham Potter’s side are also believed to be looking to strengthen their midfield with Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez all named to have been linked during the January transfer window.

Chelsea fans will be hoping to see Mudryk make his debut when they face Liverpool, having already shown their appreciation to the 22-year-old after he was unveiled at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.