Ukraine star fights back tears
A hug that gives you goosebumps
2/26/2022, 9:37 p.m
Solidarity with Ukraine is great. Also in English football. National player Oleksandr Zinchenko is visibly overwhelmed by the affection of the fans before Manchester City’s game at Everton. But also overwhelmed by the thoughts of the war in his homeland.
Moving pictures in shocking times: The Ukrainian footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko fights back tears before the kick-off of the Premier League match of his citizens from Manchester at Everton FC. Overwhelmed by the solidarity of fans from both camps with Ukraine, which has been bravely defending itself against the Russian invasion of aggressor Vladimir Putin since early Thursday morning. But also overwhelmed by the thoughts of the war in his homeland. Many spectators had brought banners and signs to Goodison Park stadium, declaring their solidarity with Zinchenko’s homeland. Man City players also wore t-shirts with the Ukraine flag and the words ‘No War’ as they warmed up.
TV footage showed 25-year-old Zinchenko fighting back tears as the stadium’s speakers played the song “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother” by the group The Hollies. One of the lines in the 1969 ballad reads, “His welfare is my concern, no burden is he to bear”. Everton’s player Vitali Mykolenko was also visibly moved. With a warm hug on the pitch, the national players gave the stadium goosebumps – and the social networks. A scene that not only moves England very emotionally.
Zinchenko is one of football’s loudest and most vehement critics of the Russian invasion, having vented his anger and despair on social media in recent days. “My country belongs to the Ukrainians and nobody will ever be able to appropriate it,” wrote the 25-year-old on Instagram, among other things. “The whole civilized world is concerned about the situation in my country. The country where I was born and grew up and whose colors I defend in the international sports arenas. The country which we are trying to glorify and develop. A country whose Borders must remain intact.”
However, a posting in which Russia’s President Putin wished for “the most painful death” attracted particular attention. He called the 69-year-old a “disgusting creature!” Zinchenko has been under contract with Man City since 2016, before that he played for the Russian club FK Ufa. Rather unimportant: the game at Everton ended 1-0 for the Citizens, Phil Foden scored in the 82nd minute.