Ukrainian football star breaks down in tears after powerful display

There was not a dry eye in the stadium as two Ukraine footballers were overcome with emotion as they embraced before a Premier League game.

Oleksandr Zinchenko of Manchester City embraces fellow countryman Vitaliy Mykolenko of Everton. Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images and Twitter, Football Daily.

Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko and Everton’s Vitaly Mykolenko broke down in tears during a show of support for Ukraine ahead of their Premier League clash on Sunday morning (AEDT).

The two Ukrainians were both included on the substitutes bench for the match at Goodison Park — their first game since the Russian invasion of their country, The Sun reports.

And the two clubs offered up heartwarming gestures of support for the country which is currently under attack from Russia.

Oleksandr Zinchenko of Manchester City embraces fellow countryman Vitaliy Mykolenko of Everton. Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images and Twitter, Football Daily.

The Ukrainian pair had already embraced during the warm-up as they came together during an unimaginable time for their nation.

Zinchenko was seen overcome with emotion as they hugged in the middle of the field.

Incredible: 2 young Ukrainian players, Zinchenko and Mykolenko, embrace ahead of Man City’s game against Everton as the crowd give these opponents a standing ovation. Both players so far from home at a time of chaos. What feelings must they have experienced in this moment? 🇺🇦💙 pic.twitter.com/kp4bRy0QoT

— roger bennett (@rogbennett) February 26, 2022

The sides lined up alongside one another moments before the game.

And the Everton players wrapped Ukrainian flags around them as they showcased their solidarity with Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Man City’s players all wore ‘No War’ shirts over the top of their training gear - with a Ukrainian flag also on show.

Everton players line up wearing the Ukrainian flag. Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP.

Manchester City players enter the pitch with a Ukrainian flag on their jackets to indicate peace and sympathy with Ukraine. Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images.

The gestures left Ukrainian nationals Zinchenko and Mykolenko in tears as Goodison Park stood to applaud.

The Man City man — who is also Ukraine’s captain — was visibly touched by the sentiment during what must be a horrific time for him.

And Mykolenko also appeared emotional as the Sky Sports cameras panned to him on the Everton bench.

Heartbreaking to see Oleksandr Zinchenko in tears before kick-off as both teams show their support for Ukraine 💔 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/bZYNyziMSh

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 26, 2022

Zinchenko last week deleted an Instagram post in which he wished Vladimir Putin the “most painful suffering death”.

He also called the Russian leader a “monster.”

He said it was a decision from Instagram monitors that deleted the post against his wishes.

City boss Pep Guardiola said last week the team was heartbroken for the 25-year-old.

“He [Zinchenko] is worried,” Guardiola said.

“The country he was born, family and friends, people killed, how would you feel?

“The team and club is close to him and will support him. Of course, he has our support.

“Innocent people are dying and he knows we are here. They are headlines around the world and he’s concerned but he’s a strong guy, and of course not easy.”

— This story originally appeared on thesun.co.uk and has been republished with permission

Originally published as Ukrainian football star breaks down in tears after powerful display