Sad moment as Ghanaian footballer based in Ukraine opens up on ordeal amid Russia invasion
FootballPremier League Star Spending Almost 24 Hours on Phone Daily Amid Family Worries in Ukraine
- Andriy Yarmolenko who plays for English Premier League club Manchester United has his family members back home in Ukraine
- The 32-year-old was recently granted compassionate leave by David Moyes to allow him mentally prepare for football action
- Devastated Yarmolenko disclosed that he speaks with his family members about 24 hours daily due to the war
West Ham United star Andriy Yarmolenko who was recently granted compassionate leave has returned to training amid worries about his family in Ukraine, Daily Star reports.
The Ukrainian international says he spends almost 24 hours on the phone every day speaking to his family members who are currently in his war-torn country.
Yarmolenko will not be rushed back into action by the Hammers until he confirms he is mentally ready for football action.
He was earlier granted compassionate leave by manager David Moyes as he was not in action during their win over Wolves.
The winger who recently donated about £75,000 to his country's armed forces, is under no pressure to return against Southampton on Wednesday.
Moyes said as per Express:
"When I’ve spoken to him he’s said he’s on the phone constantly, nearly 24 hours because of family members.
"We had a good chat. Obviously he is really upset. If he feels fine and up to it he will travel with the team but if he does not then we will give him some more days off.
"We have offered all the support we can give, if we can help his family in any way we will do so. Being connected to it so closely is a bigger impact because you realise the effect.”
Two Ukrainian footballers confirmed dead
Meanwhile, Russia’s war against Ukraine has seen two footballers killed according to football's global player's association, generally known as FIFPRO.
Furious Klitschko Brothers break silence over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as crisis escalates
BoxingThe body announced that two Ukrainian footballers lost their lives while defending their country from the war inflicted by Russia.
It is Day-7 of the Russian invasion after President Vladimir Putin ordered a special operation to demilitarise and 'denazify' the country - a justification dismissed by Kyiv and the West as propaganda.
The football community has been directly hit as 21-year-old Vitalii Sapylo and 25-year-old Dymitro Martynenko lost their lives in combat and have become the first football casualties of the war.
Abramovich already selling London homes
Sports Brief earlier reported that the owner of Chelsea Football Club Roman Abramovich is suspected to be selling off his properties in London and this is according to British MP Chris Bryant, Bloomberg reports.
The UK has already sanctioned 100 Russian elites as well as their entities following the invasion of Ukraine, but Abramovich is not mentioned on the list.
He has been barred from living permanently in Britain as sources claim he owns several businesses as well as a real estate firm.