Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, amidst Ukraine’s lowered army mobilisation age, has pledged to leave the Premier League for homeland’s defense if summoned.
President Zelensky signs law reducing mobilisation age to 25, aiming to bolster forces amid prolonged conflict with Russia.
Zinchenko, with 60 caps for Ukraine, expresses readiness on BBC’s Newsnight: “I would go (to fight).”
Reflecting on former schoolmates in the conflict, he voices solidarity: “It’s tough… but we cannot give up.”
The ex-Manchester City player, having donated £1 million since Russia’s invasion, hopes for a swift end to the war.
Cutting ties with Russian acquaintances, he highlights the strained relations: “We will never forget what they have done to us.”
Despite not opting for combat, Zinchenko hopes his children will comprehend his efforts to aid his homeland.
Ukrainian sports figures, including boxing champion Usyk and mayor Klitschko, have previously joined the defense efforts.
