Former Arsenal Defender Pauses Coaching Career to Fight for Ukraine

• Oleg Luzhny was planning to make a return to England to kick-start his coaching career when war broke out in Ukraine
• According to the 53-year-old former player, he has since resolved to put his plans on hold "to fight for my people"
• Luzhny further condemned the Ukraine invasion by Russia, exuding hope the crisis will be over soon

Ex-Arsenal defender Oleg Luzhny has paused his coaching career to remain in Ukraine to fight for his country following a recent invasion by Russia.

Luzhny earned 60 international caps over his illustrious career, with more than half of those coming for the USSR before the break up of the old Soviet Union.

The legendary defender went on to earn a dream move to Arsenal in the summer of 1999 after his outstanding performance against the Gunners for Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League.

The 53-year-old played a central role in Arsenal's 2001/02 double-winning campaign, with his last appearance for the Gunners coming against Southampton in the 2003 FA Cup final.

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He went on to retire Venta after a short stint with Wolves, Luzhny and has since transitioned into coaching.

Oleg Luzhny vows to defend Ukraine

Metro UK reports he had planned on returning to England to kick-start his coaching career but has had to put those plans on hold after war broke out in Ukraine.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Luzhny described the situation in Ukraine as "horrific" and revealed he decided to shelve his ambitions in order to defend his country.

"I want to come to coach in the UK but before anything, I will stand firmly and fight for my people, for my country and for democracy," he said.

"We all hope this will be over soon as innocent lives are being lost and families are being torn apart," he added.

Arsenal legend rates Gunners top-four chances

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Man United have an edge over the Gunners in the race to finish in the top-four.

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Arsenal and United are among four teams eyeing a Champions League spot at the end of the 2021/22 season.

In his analysis, Wright was cautious over Arsenal’s chances of finishing ahead of United as he believes Ralf Rangnick’s side are not taking full advantage of their performances.