Arsenal's Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has spoken to the BBC about Russia's war against Ukraine.
Alexander Zinchenko"I think I have a clear answer. If I am drafted, I will go to the front," was the first thing Zinchenko said when asked what his reaction would be if he received a summons.
About his friends at the front
- My former school friends are at the war. It's hard to realise that not so long ago we were studying at the same school, playing in the playground or on the football field, and now they are defending our country with weapons in their hands. Frankly, it is very hard to accept, but this is the reality. And we cannot give up. I really hope that this war will end soon.
About your former teammates from Russian "Ufa".
- I no longer communicate with my former Ufa teammates who are in Russia. After the invasion very few have texted me and sent me a few messages and I can't blame them because it's not their fault. It's not like I can't tell them, "Guys, have protests in the street and stuff," because I know they could go to jail.
On attitudes towards Russians in general
- Russians used to call Ukrainians their "brothers" and "sisters", but their invasion showed all of us Ukrainians that we can't be friends with them anymore.
We will never forget what they did to us, to our people. And that's what I will teach my children. And my children will teach their children. This is unacceptable.
About your main dream
- It is impossible to be more proud than now that I am a Ukrainian. I have a dream that this war will end very, very soon, and we will be able to rebuild our Ukraine the way we really want it.
Zinchenko also revealed that he has donated around £1 million to help Ukrainians throughout the war.
Translation and stylistic adaptation - Dynamo.kiev.ua, when using the material hyperlink is mandatory!
