ISTANBUL, May 28, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk have announced former Turkey midfielder Arda Turan as their new head coach, replacing Marino Pusic.

Turan, 38, has signed a contract until 2027 after taking unfancied Eyupspor to a sixth-place finish in the Turkish top flight.

Next season, 15-time Ukrainian champions Shakhtar will feature in the Europa League first qualifying round having won the domestic cup earlier this month.

    "I'm proud to have joined Shakhtar - a great club with a rich history and great traditions," Turan said in a Shakhtar statement.

    "We are deeply motivated to win trophies - both in Ukraine and in European competitions."

    Shakhtar were forced to leave their home ground, the Donbass Arena in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, after Russian-backed separatists seized control of the region in 2014.

    Their home league games take place in the western city of Lviv. 

    They held their Champions League games this term in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

    Turan retired from playing in 2022 after spells with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Galatasaray. He also won 100 caps for his country.