Ukraine? Lucarelli explains why he made odd move

Behind Cristiano Lucarelli's scoring, Shakhtar has been one of the biggest surprises of the Champions League this season. AP

By Dan Brennan, special to SI.com, World Soccer

Despite making his name at relatively quiet Italian club Livorno, Cristiano Lucarelli has always attracted attention -- he's openly political on his communist beliefs and is a huge admirer of Che Guevara. So in many ways, it wasn't surprising that he was lured to Ukraine, of all places, by a jaw-dropping pay packet from Shakhtar Donetsk.

Lucarelli was part of a huge influx of western players brought in by Shakhtar during the offseason by free-spending club president Rinat Akhmetov -- Mexico's Nery Castillo and Brazil's Ilsinho were also among the new arrivals. Now it's starting to pay off. Thanks to Lucarelli and the newcomers, Shakhtar has been a big surprise in the Champions League, threatening to advance out of a tough group that includes defending champion AC Milan, Celtic and Benfica.

World Soccer recently sat down with Lucarelli to talk Shakhtar, the Italian national team and the crises facing his home country.

World Soccer: It's no secret that Shakhtar Donetsk pays big money to attract good foreign players -- reports suggest you make $5.8 million a year. Was that the main reason for joining?

Lucarelli: It's normal that money plays a part, but in my case I also had other reasons. I felt my time at Livorno was coming to an end. And I accepted the offer of the only club that made a concrete proposal.

World Soccer: You're the first Italian to move to Ukraine. Was the chance to be a trailblazer part of the attraction?

Lucarelli: The main reason for my move was the fact Shakhtar was in the Champions League. But being a trailblazer was a factor, too; I've always tried to do things differently.

World Soccer: You were known for your loyalty to Livorno. How hard was it to finally say goodbye?

Lucarelli: It's still hard, a strange feeling. The transfer hasn't sunk in yet.

World Soccer: What was your reaction to the response of some of the Livorno fans?

Lucarelli: I'd have understood disappointment, but I can't excuse the anger that some showed towards me. I gave Livorno all I could and more in terms of love and devotion; maybe I didn't receive the same back.

World Soccer: Shakhtar president Akhmetov spent more than $80 million last summer. Can such an outlay fast-track the club to the top? And do you feel pressure to be an instant success?

Lucarelli: Shakhtar can make a major impact in Europe if it keeps investing the money. As for myself, the pressure I feel isn't related to my wages but to my own character. I want to reach the top in everything I do. I'm not the only player who has been paid a lot of money; others have been paid even more.

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