Everton star Vitali Mykolenko has revealed the kind gesture Donny van de Beek has made to him amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The pair both joined the Toffees during the January transfer window, with Mykolenko arriving on January 1 from Dynamo Kyiv, while Van de Beek joined on loan from Manchester United on deadline day. The midfielder is set to stay at Goodison Park until the end of the season.
Shortly after completing his move to Merseyside, Mykolenko’s home country was invaded by Russian forces, with the conflict still ongoing despite repeated calls for Vladimir Putin to call back his troops. Since the invasion took place, there have been a number of demonstrations of solidarity with the people of Ukraine at Premier League games.
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Mykolenko has been the recipient of some heart-warming gestures from team-mates and fans, including being made captain for Everton’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Boreham Wood. Among the gestures made, Van de Beek has offered to house those displaced by the conflict.
“Everyone came up and asked how my family was, my friends,” Mykolenko told UA Tribuna. “On the second day the head coach came up and said: ‘if you need a rest…if you need time, take your time.
“I am grateful to the club for its support from all sides. The administrator in charge of the equipment said: 'I know what your situation is. I understand how difficult it is for you. Come to us for dinner, let’s talk.'
“Yesterday a physiotherapist came up and said: 'I have a room, a bed for two people. Those who have nowhere to live, we are ready to shelter them.' I am shocked. Honestly I’m shocked.”
Mykolenko added: “Donny van de Beek, a world-class player, approaches me and says, 'my father and I want to rent a house for people, whether in the Netherlands or in Poland. We will take them from the border, settle them, pay for it.'
“I’m pleasantly shocked. I don’t know how to thank these people.”
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