Manchester City invite Ukrainian refugee Andriy Kravchuk to train with their squad for the rest of the season
Manchester City football club of England has invited a Ukrainian refugee to use their training facilities after his contract was canceled at a Russian club.
Andriy Kravchuk – a former teammate of Manchester City player Oleksandr Zinchenko in Shakhtar Donetsk’s academy – terminated his deal at Torpedo Moscow after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
On Thursday, March 31, Manchester City announced that the 23-year-old started training with City’s Elite Development Squad and will remain with the Premier League champions until the end of the season.
Zinchenko played a part in facilitating the Ukraine Under-21 international’s arrival after he fled for Manchester.
“Leaving the club was the only decision,’ Kravchuk said. ‘I felt really uncomfortable. People in Ukraine would not understand me if I continued to play there. I cannot believe it’s happened. In the 21st century, in the middle of Europe. I still can’t find the words.’
Kravchuk became aware of the attacks on his homeland while away in pre-season with Torpedo Moscow in Turkey.
He was woken from sleep at 5 am by his mother on February 24 after the first missiles were launched at his homeland.
‘Her first words to me were: “Russia is bombing us.” It’s a shock. I was destroyed inside. I am in groups on my phone and always receiving messages with bombing alerts. Every time those alerts come through I am so anxious. Your only thought is that my family can die.’
The club also announced he will move into one of City’s academy apartments next week as he is still in a hotel at press time.
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