Man City star Zinchenko bursts into tears in Gary Lineker’s "hardest interview"

Manchester City's Ukrainian star Oleksandr Zinchenko was reduced to tears during an emotional interview with BBC Sport on Friday.

The defender spoke to Gary Lineker about Russia's invasion of his homeland and offered a uniquely personal insight into the horrors of the conflict.

Lineker said on Twitter that it was "the most emotional and heart-rending interview I’ve ever done," and it's easy to why as Zinchenko chokes up as he speaks about the bravery of his countrymen, and of his family who are still at serious risk.

"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," the 25-year-old said.

"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].

"I'll be honest, if not for my daughter, my family, I would be there," he insisted.

"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."

The left-back was named City captain for his side's FA Cup tie with Peterborough United on Tuesday, having sat out the previous two matches.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine just over a week ago, roughly a million Ukrainians have fled the country, but others have chosen to stay and fight.

The international community has almost universally backed Ukraine, with many sending weapons or imposing sanctions on Russian companies or individuals.

"I'm so grateful to all these people for the support. 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," Zinchenko added.

The three-time Premier League winner hit out at Russian footballers who have refused to condemn the invasion thus far.

"I was surprised that no-one, not one of them [has said anything].

"Most of them play in the national team and they have a lot of followers on Instagram, Facebook … and they can at least do something to stop this war. Because the people can hear them.

"I already know that they scared. But they're scared of what? They're not gonna do anything with them."

Zinchenko also revealed why he chose to do the interview.

"I was thinking a few days about this interview. Should I do it? Should I not? But I just want to send the message to all the people, that please don't ignore this. We need to stop the war."

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