He is the first known Russian footballer, who is also international, to speak publicly about Russian military operations in Ukraine. Fedor Smolov, striker who has worn the jersey of his national team 45 times, posted a message this Thursday on Instagram. “No to war!!! he wrote, along with a broken heart emoji and the Ukrainian flag. A few words accompanied by an all-black image.
Scorer 16 times with Sbornaïa, Fedor Smolov has worn the captain’s armband several times in the national team. This was particularly the case on September 7, during a match won 2-0 against Malta in the European qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup. At 32, he has been playing for Dynamo Moscow since January. He was previously under contract with Lokomotiv Moscow, who loaned him to Celta Vigo.
In Ukraine, the concern is very strong
The messages that arrive from Ukraine betray them a deep concern. Junior Moraes, one of 13 Brazilians from Shakhtar Donetsk who arrived at the club in 2018, having since obtained Ukrainian citizenship and having played 11 times for his new country, expressed his fear. The attacker asked for help on social networks to leave Kiev, targeted by bombardments early this Thursday morning: “All our friends and our family are waiting for a solution to leave. We are inside a hotel. Pray for us.”
The situation in Ukraine is officially monitored by UEFA, which is due to stage the Champions League final in Saint Petersburg on May 28. A relocation of the match could be decided.
