Mungenge: I Fully Understand the Responsibility and Pressure Awaiting Me at Dynamo Kyiv

New Dynamo Kyiv striker Pierre Mungenge has opened up about his move to the Ukrainian giants, sharing his first impressions and motivation for joining the club. “I was surprised by Dynamo’s interest. As for the move, it was all about mental preparation. We did extensive homework, learned everything about the club and all the details before making the decision. Growing up at Paris Saint-Germain instilled in me many sporting values: discipline, hard work, respect and a winning mentality. On top of that, I faced fierce competition there, which gave me a huge boost in development. I needed to pick the best option for my career growth, not based on money or status, but the right opportunity to progress. We had a lot of conversations with Dynamo’s representatives. They laid out the team’s development project and exactly how they see my role. It was convincing. For me, it’s important to get playing time, keep improving and test myself in European competition. Until now, I didn’t know much about Ukrainian football in general. But everyone in the football world knows Dynamo – this club has produced so many top players. During my visit to Kyiv, I spoke with president Igor Surkis about the Ukrainian league and the club. He gave me some advice on how to adapt quickly to the team. I left home at 13, and the academy had prepared me well for that. They taught us to be away from family, so it’s become normal for me. These situations are part of professional football – players often sacrifice home comfort and time with loved ones, especially in childhood. I’m ready for this new challenge. My goal now is to develop and help Dynamo in the Ukrainian championship and European cups. As a professional, I love working hard and pursuing my goals. My main qualities are creating danger in front of goal, being active in the game and working for the team’s success. I keep working on all aspects of my game, but I focus more on finishing chances because that’s my position and I love scoring goals. Of course, many components need improvement – modern football demands versatile skills from every player. Which famous footballer did you learn from or look up to as a kid? When I was young, I was inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo. Over the next two years, I want to win trophies and titles with the team in Ukraine, especially since this season is special for the club – next year Dynamo turns 100. And why not eventually play in the Champions League? I’ve heard a bit about the club’s history. This is an outstanding European side that has had three Ballon d’Or winners, and a stadium named after legendary coach Valeriy Lobanovskyi. Of course, all football people understand the role of Andriy Shevchenko and Valeriy Lobanovskyi in European football history. Right now Illia Zabarnyi is playing in France, and I know he’s a Dynamo academy product. I also knew about the matches against Bayern in 1975 – that’s part of football history. Overall, I’ll have a great chance to learn more about Dynamo’s story in detail. I’m really happy to be here. I hope to represent the fans well and bring them a lot of joy on the pitch. I hope for a warm welcome and patience from them. I fully understand the responsibility and pressure waiting for me in Kyiv – Dynamo is the most popular club in Ukraine, and it has to prove its level every year. I want to leave a memory in Kyiv as a player who wrote his name into the club’s history ahead of its centenary and beyond. Apart from winning, I really want to give the fans pleasant memories of my performances and help the team win. I know what tough times Ukrainians are going through, I know your country is suffering, and I will try to do everything in my power to make Dynamo fans feel positive emotions. My debut for PSG’s first team last season? I was very happy and proud to debut for Paris Saint-Germain. That moment will stay with me forever because it was my mother’s birthday. I arrived only a few days ago. I work every day to be ready for the upcoming matches, and I hope to get a chance to play soon,” Mungenge said, according to the club’s press service.