Aleks Zinchenko has discussed the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in an emotional interview, revealing that he would have returned to his homeland to join the fight if he didn't have a family to look after.
Just over a week ago Russia launched its bloody and devastating invasion of Ukraine which has already led to approximately one million people fleeing the nation. It's been an unimaginably difficult week for Manchester City star Zinchenko who still has family and friends in the country.
In a heart-wrenching interview with the BBC, Zinchenko has discussed how the war has impacted him and also the pride he has for his country and compatriots. He said: "I'm just crying. So already a week, I'm not counting, but even I can drive the car from the training ground, or it doesn't matter where, I can just cry from nothing.
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"It's everything in my head. Imagine the place where you was born, where you was growing up. And there is just empty ground. I'll be honest, if not for my daughter, my family, I would be there.
"I'm just born like that. I know the people from my country, the mentality of them, and all of them, they think exactly the same. I'm so proud to be Ukrainian, and I will be forever for the rest of my life. And when you're watching the people, how they fight for their lives.
"I know the people, the mentality of my people from my country, they prefer to die, and they will die. But they're not going to give [up]."
Zinchenko and international teammate Vitaliy Mykolenko were both in tears when City took on Everton last weekend as the two clubs and sets of supporters made a touching display of solidarity with Ukraine ahead of kick-off.
There were more emotional scenes on Tuesday ahead of the Blues' FA Cup tie with Peterborough United. Zinchenko captained the side for the game and entered the field holding a Ukraine flag with Posh skipper Frankie Kent. Zinchenko also moved to thank the British public for the support he and Ukraine has received over the last week.
"I'm so grateful," he added. "I'm so grateful to all these people for the support I'm getting here. I didn't realise it's going to be like that in this way. So I would like to say all of them big thanks. I appreciate it. I'm getting a lot of messages from a lot of guys in Ukraine and they are asking me about the videos of support [from the UK].
"So people are watching TV, the people are still watching football, and they can see all these things, and I guess it helps a lot for them. It's like, the people who are supporting Ukraine, they are trying to push them - don't give up. And I know my people they won't."
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