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Adriano to mulls Ukraine switch

Kiev - Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian marksman Luiz Adriano said Wednesday he may seek Ukrainian citizenship if his contract with the Donetsk club is extended in December.

"I intend to apply for Ukrainian citizenship," Adriano said.

"But my final decision will depend on the situation in Ukraine. If things get back to normal I'll be happy to take up a Ukrainian passport."

The 28-year-old joined Shakhtar in 2007, won the UEFA Cup with them in 2009, and in October last year scored five goals in a Champions League rout of Bate Borisov.

"My contract expires in December but my agent is currently in talks with the club bosses about a contract extension," said Adriano, the club's all time leading scorer with 115 goals.

"I would like to stay in Shakhtar, my family is happy in Ukraine, but the situation here is still uncertain."

Shakhtar have for the time being left Donetsk to set up their training base in Kiev because of the war in eastern Ukraine and Adriano admitted this was far from ideal.

"I had to leave behind some important things in Donetsk that helped me to do my job well - our home ground and our fans," he said.

Given that Shakhtar play some of their games in the 1,700 capacity Bannikov Arena in Kiev it is hardly surprising the players are missing the state-of-the-art Donbass Arena.

Adriano has won six Ukrainian league titles, four cups and the 2009 UEFA Cup with Shakhtar.

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