Oleksandr Zinchenko talked out of fighting on Ukraine front line by Man City

Oleksandr Zinchenko desperately had to be talked out of heading back to Ukraine to fight on the front line when war broke out earlier this year.

The Manchester City star was devastated when his homeland was invaded by Russia back in February. It prompted the 25-year-old to consider flying back to help his nation, while his grandad and aunt refused to flee the country like thousands of others had done.

Despite fears over his family’s well-being, The Sun report Zinchenko was eventually convinced by friends and family to stay in the north-west and carry on his footballing duties for City.

Zinchenko has since played an active role in raising awareness towards the devastating situation in Ukraine. He has remained outspoken on Russia’s brutal attacks and even wrapped the Premier League trophy with a blue and yellow flag after clinching the title last month.

Reports claim the midfielder-turned-defender has made a hefty donation to the Ukraine national bank, along with teaming up with another footballer to get crucial supplies to the front line. It is claimed he has also promised Ukrainian soldiers a huge party in Manchester once the war is over.

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On Wednesday, Zinchenko led his nation on the pitch as they dominated Scotland in a 3-1 victory. It put Ukraine within one win of reaching the Qatar World Cup later this year.

But they will next have to face Gareth Bale and Wales in Cardiff on Sunday in the crucial World Cup decider.

Zinhecnko said ahead of the fixture: “It is going to be a massive game for us — everyone understands the situation for us.

“I would say that it is like a final and every single one of us needs to show our best performance in our lives and then we will see what is going to happen.”

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