Ukrainian forward Nazariy Rusyn has openly acknowledged the challenges he has faced while adapting to life in England. Despite the initial hurdles, he remains optimistic about his prospects at Sunderland.
Rusyn made the move to Sunderland from Ukrainian club Zorya Luhansk on deadline day. However, he encountered delays in resolving his visa complications, which forced him to wait during the first half of the previous month.
Upon his arrival in England, the 24-year-old didn’t speak a word of English, and he readily admits that this language barrier has made it difficult for him to settle in the Wearside area. Nonetheless, with his family planning to join him soon, he is hopeful that things will improve in the coming months.
In an interview with Ukrainian media outlet Tribuna, Rusyn stated, “It’s hard for me because I don’t know the language. This is the main problem. Communication is very important for football players. It’s difficult, but that’s okay. I’m getting used to it little by little. Now, the family will move, and it will be easier. I need time, I understand that I’m not in a hurry. I try to listen to the coach, do what he wants, and just get used to it.”
Despite eventually being cleared to train and play in England, Rusyn’s participation in Sunderland’s first-team squad has been limited, mainly involving four brief substitute appearances.
Currently away from England on international duty with the Ukrainian national team, Rusyn didn’t make the matchday squad for their 2-0 victory over North Macedonia in a Euros qualifier. However, he aims to make a case for himself in their upcoming match in Malta, and upon his return, he will seek to convince Tony Mowbray that he deserves a starting spot as Sunderland returns to Championship action with an upcoming match against Stoke City.
Rusyn has been impressed with the high level of competition in England’s second tier, highlighting the intensity of each game. He remarked, “The pace is much higher, and every team can beat every team. Almost all clubs are equal, only Leicester stands out, more or less. The games are very difficult, there are no easy matches. It’s a high level, a very good championship, high pace, and the players work very well with the ball. All the guys are very technical. This is a great experience for me. I am very glad that I got into a team where I can play and develop.”