Ukrainian footballer Andrii Kravchuk is coaching with Manchester City after fleeing to England following Russia’s invasion of his homeland.
Metropolis have agreed to let the 23-year-old midfielder practice with their Elite Improvement Squad after he terminated his contract with Russian first-division aspect Torpedo Moscow.
Kravchuk stated he may now not play for the membership after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and used his friendship with Oleksandr Zinchenko to return to an settlement with Metropolis till the tip of the season following approval from the U.Ok. authorities, FA and Premier League.
“I felt really uncomfortable [at Torpedo Moscow], what has happened is shocking,” stated Kravchuk, who has represented Ukraine on the Underneath-21 stage.
“There were nice people around me at the club, but I was playing in a country that invaded my homeland. Leaving the club was the only decision. People in Ukraine would not understand me if I continued to play there.
“I’m so grateful to Manchester Metropolis for giving me this opportunity to coach with them. The previous few weeks and months have been so troublesome, however to be again on the pitch means a lot to me.”
Kravchuk found out about the invasion in a 5 a.m. phone call from his mother while he was taking part in preseason training in Turkey. His family is still in the capital, Kyiv, and his brother, Aleks, is part of the country’s armed forces.
“My mom often calls me at lunchtime after coaching, however this was completely different,” Kravchuk said. “Her first phrases to me have been: ‘Russia is bombing us.’ It is shock. I could not discover the phrases. I used to be destroyed inside.
“I cannot believe it’s happened. In the 21st century, in the middle of Europe. I still can’t find the words. A month before the attack, Russian military were around our borders, but I thought that was just a political move. We never expected this.
“My household are in Kyiv and secure proper now. My mom has simply informed me she will nonetheless hear the bombs. I am actually anxious. I’m in teams on my cellphone and at all times receiving messages with bombing alerts. Each time these alerts come via I’m so anxious. Your solely thought is that my household can die.
“I speak to my brother every day. I tell him every day how proud I am of him, for not only protecting our family but the whole country and the Ukrainian people. He is staying and fighting.”
Kravchuk and Zinchenko, who has been at Metropolis since 2016 and performed 48 occasions for Ukraine, have recognized one another since their time collectively at Shakhtar Donetsk‘s academy.
“While I wish the circumstances were very different, it has been good to be back with Andrii,” Zinchenko stated.
“I know how much football means to him, and how it can help us during these difficult times. I would like to thank my club for giving him the opportunity to train with us.”
