Ukraine defender Illia Zabarnyi has paid tribute to the "warriors" fighting for his country against Russia ahead of the team's first Euro 2024 match.
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Ukraine in first tournament since invasionZabarnyi grateful to armed forcesThey face Romania in first Euro 2024 match(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Ukraine are playing in their first major tournament since Russia's invasion in 2022. Midfielder Giorgi Sudakov has already told GOAL that the team "want to remind the world that there is still a war going on" during the tournament after making it through to Euro 2024 via the play-offs. Team-mate Zabarnyi has now shared his thoughts and believes he would not even be in Germany if it were not for the efforts of those fighting to defend their country.
AdvertisementWHAT ZABARNYI SAID
He told reporters: "I went through many things in both football and my life since the last Euros. I think the fact I am here now, it's down to our warriors who defend our country. They are incredible people who with bravery win everything. I am so grateful to them.
"The major difference with the previous Euros is that, because there is war in our country and it's very difficult when you wake up and you think what happens to your friends at home. Of course it can pressurise everyone, but it adds great motivation to come on to the pitch and to do everything possible.
"For us, it's a very emotional moment when you see Ukraine flags in the stadium… It's just when you are just checking news, what's going on at home, it's difficult to put it into words [the feeling]. I just want to say thanks to everyone who supports us. It's important, not only for football in Ukraine, but all our lives, because every day our country wakes up to alarms and it's difficult.
"Children, women, civilians… a lot of people die every day. I think it needs to stop and of course it will be an emotional moment before kick off."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Football is clearly not the most important thing for Ukraine currently but the team will hope the tournament can provide the nation with a welcome distraction from the ongoing conflict with Russia. Manager Sergey Rebrov has already described his team's qualification as a "gift for our country" after overseeing a win over Iceland in a play-off final and will hope his players can provide the people of Ukraine with more hope and joy on the pitch in the coming weeks.
WHAT NEXT FOR UKRAINE
Ukraine open their tournament against Romania before going on to face Slovakia and Belgium in the group stages of the tournament.