Ukrainian national football team Oleksandr Zinchenko (Manchester City) shed tears at a press conference ahead of the World Cup playoffs.
Zinchenko, who attended a press conference at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland, one day before Ukraine and Scotland's 2022 Qatar World Cup European Playoff Tournament Group A semi-finals, was in tears when asked by a reporter from their country about the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
"Every Ukrainian wants one thing: the war will stop," Zinchenko said.
He continued, "I spoke with people from different countries, with Ukrainian children who don't know why the war is happening," he said.
Since the outbreak of the war, Zinchenko has not stopped sending 'reversal messages' to the world on and off the field.
"A lot of people don't understand now, but it may be your country's turn next," Zinchenko said.
Ukraine will advance to the Qatar World Cup if they beat Scotland and Wales in the finals in turn.
Zinchenko said, "In terms of soccer, it's our dream to go to the World Cup," he said.
“The Ukrainians will be watching us,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Football Association will hand out papers with the Ukrainian national anthem to home spectators on match day, so the Ukrainian national anthem will be sung by Scottish fans at the stadium.
Zinchenko also thanked us, saying, "The Scottish national team and staff are welcoming us."
The semi-final match between Ukraine and Scotland kicks off at 3:45 a.m. on the 2nd.
(Photo = Getty Images Korea)