BOURNEMOUTH defender Illia Zabarnyi is back for the Premier League season after a summer spent at home in Ukraine.
As well as marrying his childhood sweetheart Angelina, the Cherries defender, 20, made sure his soldier friends were protected by buying them guns to take back to the front line.
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And on the field Zabarnyi scored his first international goal in June during Ukraine’s 3-2 Euro qualifying victory in North Macedonia.
Zabarnyi’s face is full of pride for the fellow countrymen he has left behind to fight Vladimir Putin’s invading Russian troops — but his eyes reflect the sadness in his heart.
The £24million signing from Dynamo Kyiv told SunSport: “I have lots of friends and they are soldiers who are defending Ukraine.
“They are 20 years old like me and they take a gun and go and defend Ukraine. And I give them what they need — I pay for weapons and this is all I can do.
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“I give all what they need — it’s so important that every Ukrainian now supports them one hundred per cent.
“I got married over there and got to see my family and close friends.
“I went to Ukraine for a week and I didn’t sleep every night because every day they attack.
“It’s still really bad over there and we need to let people know what’s going on in Ukraine.
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“Our country is very tired, the people have stayed together and continue our defence and we continue to fight.
“It’s an emotional moment because we’ve had lots of games and I want to help the team so we can give the country a little smile.
“For the national team we won two important games and I scored my first goal, which made me very happy.”
The Cherries signed Zabarnyi in the January window but injuries restricted him to just five appearances.
But when he played he became an instant hit with the home supporters, who took the young Ukrainian to their hearts.
Now Saturday’s home clash with West Ham cannot come quickly enough.
Zabarnyi added: “It’s difficult when I come back to Bournemouth because of what is happening in my country.
“I’m at the right place at the right time and I love it!
“Now I want to play and give 100 per cent to Bournemouth. This is a great club and I am happy to be here.
“I cannot wait for the season to start against West Ham but I want to show how all this is affecting Ukraine.
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“I am here playing in the Premier League, which is very important to me because people come to watch Ukrainian players.
“My country is at war and maybe being here people talk about this and maybe that helps, which is important.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
