Ukraine captain Oleksandr Zinchenko broke down in tears during a press conference, pleading for the conflict in his home country to end. Watch below:
The Manchester City defender was speaking to the media ahead of Ukraine's World Cup play-off clash against Scotland when he began discussing the Russian invasion which has claimed so many lives.
Advert
Struggling to contain his emotions, Zinchenko began tearing up as he made a heartbreaking plea to those listening.
"Every Ukrainian wants one thing - to stop the war," he told the press.
"I spoke to kids who don’t understand what’s happening, but they have one dream: They want the war to end.
"We also have another dream: To make the World Cup.
Advert
"It's unforgettable emotions for me. For all Ukrainians, who are starving and surviving in my country because of Russian aggression.
"I am so proud to be Ukrainian, and one day I would love to be able to bring this title to Ukraine for all Ukrainian people because they deserve it."
After recently being crowned Premier League champion for the fourth time in his career, Zinchenko made a powerful statement by draping the Premier League title in the blue and yellow Ukrainian flag.
Advert
Since the devastating conflict began in February, the 25-year-old has continued to use his platform to not only condemn the invasion itself, but also give support to the people impacted in his homeland.
"Honestly at some points, especially in the beginning, I didn't even think too much about football," Zinchenko added.
"Because it is impossible to live in the same time as what is happening in my country.
Advert
"But with all the support we have had, we did it."
A number of high-profile Ukrainian sports stars have returned home to battle on the frontline against Russian forces, including the Klitschko brothers, Vasyl Lomachenko, Oleksandr Usyk as well as tennis star Sergiy Stakhovsky.
Topics: Australia, Football, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ukraine, Manchester City
Max Sherry