Oleksandr Zinchenko named captain of Arsenal on the primary anniversary of the conflict in Ukraine

Oleksandr Zinchenko wore the Arsenal captain’s armband at present at Leicester Metropolis as a mark of respect on the primary anniversary of the battle in Ukraine.

The choice to offer the defender the armband got here on the suggestion of normal captain Martin Odegaard, who handed over the captain’s armband for at present’s match.

A yr in the past, Zinchenko, then of Manchester Metropolis, sat on the substitute bench in tears as Metropolis’s opponents Everton and Goodison Park followers confirmed their help for Ukraine.

Zinchenko additionally shared a poignant pre-match second with compatriot Vitaliy Mykolenko, with the pair embracing with a hug earlier than kick-off.

The 26-year-old is without doubt one of the most outspoken opponents of the Russian invasion of his homeland and has spoken out in regards to the terrifying scenario in his nation.

Zinchencko led the Gunners crew on the primary anniversary of the conflict in Ukraine

“Each Ukrainian needs just one factor: to cease this conflict.” Zinchenko mentioned final summer time.

“I spoke to individuals from totally different nations, everywhere in the world and I spoke to some Ukrainian youngsters who simply don’t perceive what is occurring in Ukraine. They only need the conflict to cease. They’ve one dream to cease the conflict.’

Zinchenko has 52 caps for Ukraine, scoring eight objectives and changing into the nation’s youngest-ever captain when he wore the armband in opposition to France in March 2021.

He moved to the Gunners in a £30 million deal final summer time and performed a key position in Mikel Arteta’s facet’s rise to the highest of the Premier League.

Zinchenko has 52 caps for his nation and has beforehand spoken out in regards to the conflict in his nation