Ex-Arsenal star joins army after seeing terrified Ukrainians scrambling to bomb shelters
Former Arsenal right-back Oleg Luzhny has spoken of why he decided to join the Ukraine Territorial Defence Forces, saying he's witnessed 'terrified' women and child scrambling to bomb shelters
Posted Tuesday, March 08, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk
Former Arsenal wingback Oleg Luzhny has returned to Ukraine and joined its Territorial Defence Force to help his country fight Russia.
Luzhny, 53, helped win the double with Arsenal in 2002, with his last display for the club coming in the 2003 FA Cup final where the Gunners beat Southampton 1-0.
But now retired, Luzhny has said he is willing to take up arms for his country.
Speaking to the Mirror about the war that’s ravaging Ukraine at the moment, he told the publication: “Entire cities and towns are shelled and being destroyed.
“Patrick Vieira and Gilles Grimandi are very, very worried and have offered support.”
“Like all devoted Ukrainians, now I’m in Ukraine, with all our people defending our motherland. I joined the Territorial Defence Force.
Luzhny played 110 times for Arsenal
“The situation is very tense, the siren sounds three or four times a day, also at night.
“People have to frantically dash to bomb shelters, women with small children, who don’t understand what is happening, they are terrified.
“I am very grateful to my team-mates who support me. I am extremely grateful and proud of our soldiers who protect us! I am grateful to our President, Volodymyr Zelensky, who stands so devotedly for Ukraine and our people.”
Manchester City player Oleksandr Zinchenko said that he would be helping the fight if it was not for his family in the UK.
The defender has continued training and was made captain for the Citizens' FA Cup win at Peterborough United.
The 25-year-old told Gary Lineker during an emotional interview with BBC Sport: “‘I'm just crying. It’s already [been] a week - I'm not counting - but even when I drive the car from the training ground, I can just cry from nothing.
“It's everything in my head. Imagine the place where you were born, where you were growing up and there is just empty ground.
“I can show you one million pictures and videos of every city in my country which they destroyed. “
“I'll be honest, if not for my daughter, my family, I would be there.”
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