Shakhtar forward Moraes wants to play for Ukraine - media

Shakhtar Donetsk forward Junior Moraes has expressed his desire to play for Ukraine's national football team, according to Tsyganyk LIVE.

The 31-year-old Brazilian has played in the Ukrainian Premier League since the summer of 2012. The forward previously performed for Metalurh Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv. Moraes is now ready to receive Ukrainian citizenship and offer his services to Ukraine manager Andriy Shevchenko.

Moraes played 25 matches for Shakhtar Donetsk this season, scoring 18 goals and making nine assists.

Earlier, another Brazilian, Shakhtar Donetsk defender Ismaily also said he wanted to acquire Ukrainian citizenship and play for Ukraine.

Ukraine's national football team has a difficult situation with forwards. Artem Besyedin was operated on and will not play for three months, while Roman Yaremchuk plays as a left winger at Gent.