Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko says he would be willing to leave his football career behind and engage in combat for Ukraine if he was summoned by his country.
Zinchenko has been a prominent voice on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and has contributed around £1million to support his country’s efforts following Russia’s invasion in 2022.
However, the 27-year-old has indicated that he could further extend his support and would be ready to take up arms to protect his country, noting that several of his former school acquaintances have already taken that step.
‘I think it’s a straightforward answer. I would go [to fight],’ he informed BBC Newsnight.
‘It’s difficult to comprehend that not long ago we were in the same school, playing in the playground or on the football pitch, and now they have to defend our country.
‘And, honestly, [it’s] so difficult to accept this, but it is what it is. We cannot give up.’
Zinchenko’s remarks come as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky stated that his country would require an additional half a million soldiers to sustain their war efforts.
The President also ratified a bill lowering the country’s minimum conscription age from 27 to 25.
Zinchenko, who started his professional career playing for Russian side Ufa in 2015, mentioned that he no longer communicates with his former Russian teammates but also acknowledged the challenging situation that many are facing.
‘Since the invasion, very few [have] messaged me and sent me some messages and I can’t blame them because this is not their fault,’ he added.
‘I cannot urge them, “Guys, participate in the protests outside and all these things” because I know they could be [put] in prison.’
‘We will never forget what they have done to us, to our people. And that’s what I will teach my kids as well. And my kids will teach their kids. This is not acceptable.’
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