“I am becoming a professional football player in “Shakhtar”. Mircea Lucescu likes me and hopefully, everything will be alright in the future”, - Giorgi Arabidze told worldsport.ge.

This summer the 17-year-old Georgian striker transferred from “Lokomotiv” Tbilisi to the Ukrainian club. Arabidze played 90 minutes against “Ternopil” at Ukrainian Cup.

Before that Arabidze played well against Sweden’s “Malmo” at UEFA Youth League. The Ukrainian media praised the Georgian and compared him to Lionel Messi.

- First of all, how does it feel when you are in lineup of “Shakhtar” at 17?

- Of course, I am very happy and it is a great responsibility for me.

- How do you summarize your game against “Ternopil”?

- I think I played well.

- Mircea Lucescu is known for promoting young and talented players in the team. What did he tell you and what is his coaching process like?

- Coaching process is very good and intensive. I feel that I am becoming a professional football player. As for his words, he likes me and let us see, what will be in the future.

- What do you think which component you need to work on?

- I cannot name only one. In my opinion, I need to practice more.

- The Ukrainian journalists compared you to Lionel Messi after the match against “Malmo” at Youth League. What does it mean to you?

- I am very thankful for such comparison and of course, I was very happy but it does not change anything.

- Some Georgian players had regress after success. What will you do?

- I will do everything. Those who had regress, it was their fault.

- Do you think you have chance to play in the main team regularly and have you talked to Lucescu about it?

- No, Lucescu has not told me anything but I will do my best to play in the main team.

- Tell us about “Shakhtar”…

- Everything is at high level here. It is impossible not to feel yourself football player in “Shakhtar”.

- There are a lot of good players in “Shakhtar”. What do you learn from them?

- First of all, I learn not to relax.

- How do you recall the first period and adaptation in Donetsk?

- I was greeted warmly. There is a friendly atmosphere in the team. Adaptation period is still underway.

- What is the attitude of “Shakhtar” toward a young and legionary player?

- If they notice your talent, they will everything to help you.

- Was not it tough to get used to demands and coaching process of “Shakhtar”?

- It was tough but now I got used to it.

- Have you talked to Kakha Tskhadadze?

- No, I have not.

- Do you think you are ready for the national team?

- I think I need time and I will be ready.

- What does the Georgian national team mean to you?

- First of all, it is a great responsibility.

- Club where you would like to play and football player who you like…

- I would like to play in “Real” Madrid. I do not have a favorite player.

- Many Georgian fans believe in you. What would you tell them?

- I will not disappoint them.