Oleksandr Zinchenko admits he wanted to return home and fight Russian troops in Ukraine
Oleksandr Zinchenko admits he wanted to return home to fight Russian troops in Ukraine but his family convinced him to stay as he could make a bigger difference by using his platform as a force for good
- Man City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko wanted to return home and fight Russian troops
- He had planned on travelling back in the immediate aftermath of the invasion
- He spoke with family and friends and they advised against him returning home
- They said he would more of a difference by using his platform as a force for good
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Oleksandr Zinchenko wanted to return home and fight Russian troops on the frontline in Ukraine.
The Manchester City star had planned on travelling back in the immediate aftermath of the invasion on his homeland in February before being persuaded to remain in England.
Zinchenko spoke with family and friends, who advised that he was able to make more of a difference by using his platform as a force for good.
Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko wanted to return home and fight Russian troops
His family said he would more of a difference by using his platform as a force for good
The 25-year-old has continued playing for City in unprecedented circumstances and produced a stunning display at Hampden Park on Wednesday night when Ukraine beat Scotland 3-1.
Zinchenko and his teammates head to Cardiff on Sunday, facing Wales in a World Cup playoff to determine who qualifies for the winter tournament in Qatar.
Pep Guardiola has consistently praised the player’s attitude and fortitude in acting as a role model, and the impact of the way on his family has only recently come to light.
Zinchenko’s parents stayed in Ukraine, hiding in basements and bomb shelters, while shelling occurred on the street of a hospital where his grandfather resided.
He has often been seen overcome with emotion, delivering a tearful address during a press conference in Scotland earlier in the week.
Pep Guardiola has consistently praised his attitude and fortitude in acting as a role model
Draped in a Ukraine flag, the full back broke down at the Etihad Stadium last month when City clinched the Premier League title and has been overwhelmed by public support. ‘I would die for these City supporters,’ he said.
Zinchenko – who has been in contact with soldiers – has been outspoken about Vladimir Putin and the Russian regime in interviews and on social media, while making a sizeable financial donation to help Ukrainians.
He and his representatives have also been instrumental in organising the shipment of thousands of packages from the north west and Wales via Poland.
