Connect with us

News

Arsenal’s Zinchenko says he would fight in Ukraine war if called up

Inter Milan Want To Sign Oleksandr Zinchenko From Arsenal

Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko says he would leave the Premier League to fight in Ukraine if he were called up by his war-torn country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week signed into law a measure lowering the country’s army mobilisation age from 27 to 25, the country’s parliament said on its website.

Mobilisation has been a divisive issue in a nation exhausted by more than two years of war with Russia, which has resulted in huge military losses. Zelensky said in December that the army wanted to mobilise up to half a million people to battle Moscow’s forces in Ukraine .

Arsenal’s Zinchenko, who has won 60 caps for Ukraine, told BBC’s Newsnight programme he would answer a call-up.

“I think it’s a clear answer. I would go (to fight)”, he said.

He added that former school friends were involved in the conflict.

“It’s tough to understand that just recently we’ve been in the same school, we were playing in the playground or on the football pitch, and now they have to defend our country,” he said.

“And, honestly, (it’s) so hard to accept this, but it is what it is. We cannot give up.”

The 27-year-old former Manchester City player told the BBC he had donated about £1 million ($1.25 million) to help people in his country since Russia’s invasion in 2022.

“I know maybe some people might think that it’s much easier… for me being here (in London) rather than being there (in Ukraine),” he said. “I really hope that this war will end soon.”

The Arsenal player, who began his senior career with Russian team Ufa, said he is no longer in contact with friends or former teammates who are in Russia.

“Since the invasion really few (have) texted me and sent me some messages and I can’t blame them because this is not their fault,” he said.

“I cannot tell them, ‘Guys, do the protests outside and all these things’, because I know they can be (put) in prison.”

He said Moscow’s invasion had shown “all of us Ukrainians that we can’t be friends” with Russians any more.

“We will never forget what they have done to us, to our people,” he added. “And that’s what I will teach my kids as well. And my kids will teach their kids. This is not acceptable.”

Though Zinchenko decided against fighting he told AFP last year he hoped his children would understand why.

“I hope if my children ask me ‘Daddy what did you do in that time, how did you help?’, I will be able to look them in their eyes and reply I was doing my best.”

A number of Ukrainian sports stars have previously joined the effort to defend their country, including world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Former WBO world heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko is mayor of Kyiv.

 

 

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

BREAKING: Finally, Popular Islamic Cleric Names Those Behind Terrorism In Nigeria

In light of the recent surge in security-related attacks and acts of violence throughout Nigeria, which have garnered significant attention from international communities, including the United States, it is evident that these events have deepened divisions within the country.

Investigations have revealed the identities of those responsible for orchestrating these acts, shedding light on the motivations and affiliations behind their actions. CLICK LINK TO CONTINUE READING.

 

Continue Reading

News

Mikel Arteta Tight-Lipped On Declan Rice Fitness After Arsenal Midfielder Hobbled Off In Brentford Win

Declan Rice limping off the pitch during Arsenal’s match against Brentford

Arsenal fans held their breath midweek when Declan Rice unexpectedly hobbled off during the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Brentford. And if anyone was expecting a clear update from Mikel Arteta, they certainly didn’t get one.

Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial trip to Villa Park, the Spanish manager remained intentionally cryptic — and for good reason. Arsenal’s injury list is growing, and every hour seems to matter.


Arteta Says: “Let’s See” — Patience Required On Rice

Rice has become the engine, heartbeat, and battery pack of Arsenal’s midfield since arriving from West Ham. His presence is so crucial that even a minor niggle triggers panic across North London.

Although Rice himself told reporters he felt “fine” after the match, Arteta isn’t rushing any verdict.

According to the manager:

“We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players.”

Translation: Nobody knows anything yet — even him.


Arsenal’s Defensive Crisis Deepens

And Rice isn’t the only concern.

Arteta also confirmed that Cristhian Mosquera is facing an uphill battle for the Villa clash. With Saliba and Gabriel already sidelined, losing Mosquera too would leave Arsenal’s defensive unit looking like a Jenga tower leaning on hope and prayers.

Arteta put it bluntly:

“That’s the more complicated one… we need to corroborate with all the testing today.”

Meanwhile, hopes remain higher for William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, with the manager saying their situations are “a matter of days.”


January Window Already Open In Arteta’s Mind

Despite spending over £250 million in the last transfer window, Arteta hinted Arsenal may need to dip back into the market — especially with injuries hitting key departments.

“We always have to be prepared… we need to be open for it.”

In football language, that usually means one thing: Phone lines will be busy in January.


Fixture Congestion? Arteta Shrugs It Off

Playing midweek at Brentford and facing Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime is hardly ideal, but Arteta kept his cool.

“We are ready for tomorrow’s game, that’s for sure.”

Whether his squad physically is… that’s another story.


Stay Updated With Sports Market International

For the best, fastest, and most engaging sports stories across football, transfers, betting insights, and analysis, Sports Market International remains one of the best sports blogs in the sports media space.

📩 Want To Advertise With Us? Contact: sales@ventolitemarketing.com

Your brand deserves premium visibility in the sports market — let’s make it happen.

Continue Reading

News

World Cup No.7? Stunning Prediction as Cristiano Ronaldo Is Backed to Make History Again

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating in a Portugal jersey

Cristiano Ronaldo is 40, still scoring, still breaking records — and now tipped to do the unthinkable: play at a seventh FIFA World Cup.

With the 2030 tournament set to be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, former Portugal striker Nuno Gomes believes the idea of Ronaldo saying his final goodbye at home could be too tempting for the all-time great to resist.


Ronaldo at 40: Still rewriting the record books

The Al-Nassr superstar continues to defy age, maintaining elite form in the Saudi Pro League and keeping himself available for Portugal. He currently boasts:

  • 226 international caps

  • 143 goals for Portugal

  • A lifetime chase for 1,000 career goals

Ronaldo has previously indicated the next World Cup would be his last — but as history shows, the GOAT often changes the script.


“Maybe even he doesn’t know yet” – Nuno Gomes

Speaking to talkSPORT, Nuno Gomes said Ronaldo’s longevity makes predictions tricky:

“Only him, or maybe not even him, knows the answer. He’s still fit to play. He’s still scoring goals. And in football, that’s the most important thing.”

Gomes admits Ronaldo is no longer the explosive teenager who dazzled at 18, but insists the forward remains efficient, dangerous, and an example for younger players.

He added that Portugal boss Roberto Martinez will also play a major role in determining Ronaldo’s future appearances.

Still, the romantic idea of a final farewell in Portugal at the 2030 World Cup might be the perfect ending:

“In four years we are hosting some games. Maybe it could be an opportunity to say goodbye at home.”


Euro 2028? Don’t rule him out

Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown also believes Ronaldo’s hunger will keep him going:

“If he can bring something to the squad, why not pick him? He’s still there for the younger players and wants them to do well.”

Brown insists Ronaldo won’t retire from international football until he retires completely — and that his belief, energy, and competitiveness remain unmatched.


So… will Ronaldo play the 2030 World Cup?

If his body holds up — and knowing the way Ronaldo trains — it’s far from impossible.
A seventh World Cup would make even more history and allow him to finally say goodbye in front of home fans.

And with CR7, you can never say never.

Continue Reading

Trending