The goalkeeper of Odesa “Chornomorets”, Chizhioke Aniagboso, spoke about how he survived one of the planet’s worst blows, called “ro*iya”, to the civilian population of Ukraine, which hit the “Bristol” hotel in the center of Odesa.
— Where do you live now after the rocket damaged the “Bristol” hotel where you were staying?
— I am currently staying at the “Chornomorets” base.
— How do you generally feel in Odesa?
— Overall, it’s fine. Sometimes the situation is crazy: rockets, drones — you know all about it. But Odesa is a beautiful city, it’s nice to be here. I just want this war to end.
— You have been in Ukraine for a year and a half. Is there really not a single moment during this period when you wanted to just leave?
— People live in Ukraine, go to work, play football. Playing football in Ukraine is one way to show love and support for the local residents. We stay with them and support them in these tough times.
— Is that night when the rocket hit the hotel the most horrifying in your life?
— Yes, definitely. For the first time in my life, I experienced such horror. It was truly frightening.
Vadim Takhtaryn