Manchester City Open Gates to Ukrainian Soccer Player Left Jobless After Contract Termination With Russian Club

The ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine has uprooted several families and their livelihoods. There’s a huge refugee crisis and people are doing their best to help in whichever they can. Football club Manchester City took the onus upon themselves to set an example for everyone else.

Ukrainian footballer Andrii Kravchuk had to terminate his contract with Russian club Torpedo Moscow. The 23-year-old had no club to go to, and couldn’t possibly keep playing at the same club. As a result, City stepped in and invited Kravchuk to train with their development squad for the rest of the season.

It was a beautiful gesture from the club, and it was possibly initiated by Manchester City’s Ukrainian star, Oleksandr Zinchenko. Zinchenko and Kravchuk were teammates at the Shakhtar Donetsk academy and he helped him come to England.

Andrii Kravchuk reveals how happy he is to be with Zinchenko

The Ukraine Under-21 international was happy to play with Zinchenko again. He revealed that they hadn’t talked to each other in a while, and yet Zinchenko had helped him out like he did at Shakhtar.

“I haven’t seen Oleks for a while but he has always been helpful for me – even going back to when we were together at Shakhtar. I’m really happy to be here with him,” Kravchuk said.

Zinchenko also mirrored his sentiments, but wished that the circumstances were different. The versatile left-back thanked his club for giving Kravchuk the opportunity to train with the City squad, knowing how it could help them both during the times of war.

“I know how much football means to him, and how it can help us during these difficult times. I would like to thank my club for giving him the opportunity to train with us,” Zinchenko added.

Kravchuk will look for a new club after leaving Manchester City next season

Kravchuk revealed that he felt uncomfortable playing for Torpedo Moscow and that the people of Ukraine would object to him continuing at the club. Moreover, he expressed shock at the catastrophe taking place and was devastated by the entire situation.

“Leaving the club was the only decision. I felt really uncomfortable. I cannot believe it’s happened. In the 21st century, in the middle of Europe. I still can’t find the words,” he added.

What are your thoughts about the noble gesture from Manchester City?

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