Lukasz Fabianski predicted ‘magical’ moment for Andriy Yarmolenko after his emotional return in West Ham colours

LUKASZ FABIANSKI sensed something “magical” would happen after Andriy Yarmolenko’s emotional return in a West Ham shirt.

The Ukrainian international made his first appearance for the Hammers since Russia’s horrific and bloody invasion of his homeland.

After coming on in the 52^nd minute against Aston Villa, the 32-year-old scored the opening goal 18 minutes later before sobbing into his hands during his celebration.

West Ham went on to earn a crucial three points thanks to Pablo Fornals’ strike – despite a late rally by Villa through Jacob Ramsey’s injury-time effort.

But keeper Fabianski – a Polish international who offered Yarmolenko huge support when his wife and child were fleeing Ukraine – is more delighted on a personal level.

The pair embraced on the pitch at full-time, and Fabianski said: “I don’t think any of us can imagine what he or his country have been through in the last few weeks.

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“We can all try to support but it is unimaginable. He has been very emotional.

“In some ways, once he was back you knew that something magical was going to happen and that was very special what happened here.”

Yarmolenko was given compassionate leave by boss David Moyes during the early stages of the conflict so he could keep in touch with friends and family in Ukraine.

Moyes revealed following the Villa game that he has barely trained, and even looks to have lost weight such is the trauma he has been through.

This was his first appearance since the FA Cup clash with Kidderminster on February 5, and his first in the Prem since January 16.

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Assistant boss Stuart Pearce told talkSPORT: “It was an emotional day. Yarm has conducted himself brilliantly over the last few weeks.

“To be honest, how he has done it I don’t know. He has been in to train most of the time but with everything going on he was fortunate to get his wife and children out of Ukraine.

“It has been really tough for him. The scene was almost set with the support everyone has for Ukraine. He came in the dressing room afterwards and there was standing applause.”

Fabianski added: “He has been training but I don’t think any of us can understand fully what he is going through, what his family is going through so I think for me it is hard.

“It is so special. You could clearly see at the training ground that in a way he was a bit different, which is completely understandable.

“Sometimes you can try to behave to portray that you’re fine but deep down you know it’s not fine. He is managing that really well but the situation is horrible.

“What he has shown today is amazing, it is beautiful.”

Yarmolenko was brought on following a worrying injury to Michail Antonio, who could now be missing for their Europa League second leg tie with Sevilla after limping off against Villa.

Moyes has admitted he is unsure when his only out-and-out striker will be back.

On Yarmolenko’s effect on the team playing as a No.9, Fabianski said: “The whole impact, he played in a position that he doesn’t really play.

“The way we use Michail, he is a completely different player. The touch and finish was amazing and his involvement in the play was really good – his runs too.

“You could see that the effort and the heart was there and the amazing quality he possesses.

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“The last few weeks we have been hit with injuries and we really need players to be fit, we don’t have the biggest squad. What we do have is quality and that is very important.”

Left-back Aaron Cresswell also hobbled off injured in the second half, while Jarrod Bowen remains in the recovery room after a heel injury against Liverpool last weekend.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk