FourFourTwo 
05-04-2024 17:56
05-04-2024 17:56
Oleksandr Zinchenko: I could LEAVE Arsenal to join Ukraine war effort
Oleksandr Zinchenko in action for Arsenal
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko says he is willing to put his football career on hold in order to fight for Ukraine if his home country calls him up as part of their war effort. The former Manchester City fullback has already donated £1million to his country’s cause as his homeland continues to resist the Russian invasion which began in 2022 and has seen several of his friends sign up to fight. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky recently said that Kyiv will need to mobilise another half a million soldiers in order to maintain the war effort. Oleksandr Zinchenko playing for Ukraine (Image credit: Getty Images) “I think it’s a clear answer. I would go (to fight),” the 27-year-old told the BBC. “It’s tough to understand that just recently we’ve been in the same school, we were playing in the playground or on the football pitch, and now they have to defend our country. “And honestly, it’s so hard to accept this, but it is what it is. We cannot give up. "I know maybe some people might think that it's much easier … for me being here [in London] rather than being there [in Ukraine]. I really hope that this war will end soon," he said. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Zinchenko began his professional career in Russia, spending two seasons with Russian Premier League side Ufa before joining Manchester City in 2016. But since the invasion more than two years ago, he says he does not speak to any of his Russian former teammates, but understands the circumstances they find themselves in. “Since the invasion, really few have texted me and sent some messages
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko says he is willing to put his football career on hold in order to fight for Ukraine if his home country calls him up as part of their war effort. The former Manchester City fullback has already donated £1million to his country’s cause as his homeland continues to resist the Russian invasion which began in 2022 and has seen several of his friends sign up to fight. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky recently said that Kyiv will need to mobilise another half a million soldiers in order to maintain the war effort. Oleksandr Zinchenko playing for Ukraine (Image credit: Getty Images) “I think it’s a clear answer. I would go (to fight),” the 27-year-old told the BBC. “It’s tough to understand that just recently we’ve been in the same school, we were playing in the playground or on the football pitch, and now they have to defend our country. “And honestly, it’s so hard to accept this, but it is what it is. We cannot give up. "I know maybe some people might think that it's much easier … for me being here [in London] rather than being there [in Ukraine]. I really hope that this war will end soon," he said. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Zinchenko began his professional career in Russia, spending two seasons with Russian Premier League side Ufa before joining Manchester City in 2016. But since the invasion more than two years ago, he says he does not speak to any of his Russian former teammates, but understands the circumstances they find themselves in. “Since the invasion, really few have texted me and sent some messages