Aleks Zinchenko has told Pep Guardiola he is ready to play if needed despite suffering the anguish of having loved ones in Ukraine.
The Manchester City left back was at a protest against the Russian invasion of his country in the city centre last night.
And there have been fears, after he posted a message on social media wishing Russian president Vladimir Putin “the most painful suffering death” — later deleted — that he may not be in the right frame of mind.
But Zinchenko has continued to train and is available for the trip to Everton tomorrow, with the Blues targeting three points to keep chasing Liverpool at arm’s length.
Guardiola revealed he has spoken to the 25-year-old but says his attitude has been spot on.
“We spoke all of this, I spoke with him,” said Guardiola. “Everyone, the friends.
“These are the headlines all around the world, it’s a concern. Aleks is incredibly strong, a really brilliant guy.
“Of course it’s not easy but today and yesterday in training he was brilliant. He’s ready to play in case he has to play.”
Guardiola said Zinchenko’s emotional reaction is entirely understandable.
“What would you do if someone abroad attacked UK?” he said “It’s how he feels.
“What happened in Yugoslavia, no-one did anything. Around the world there are many wars, it’s a pity.
“Innocent people will die when they just want to live in peace. All around the world you want a house, to sleep well, food on the table, movies, food, someone to love.
“When you are not involved, they attack your country and it should be complicated to arrive at this point.
“Always innocent people pay the terrible price, the decisions of one or two people. Still we don’t learn what happened in the past.
“Right now in Syria, many places. At the end the strong part always kills the weak one.
“It’s a worry, what we feel with our country where we were born. Killing innocent people, how would you feel? I guess that’s how he feels.
“Of course it’s close to him. Of course he has our support. We have people living every day together, it can happen in the country he was born, he loves, it’s attacked from outside. He’s tough and knows we are here.”
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