How Oleksandr Zinchenko made a Ukrainian refugee's day
Watch Sally and Vlad reflect on Zinchenko's moment of kindness
Watch Sally and Vlad reflect on Zinchenko's moment of kindness
It’s been almost 6 months since Manchester City won their 6th Premier League title on the last day of the season, after coming from two goals behind to beat Aston Villa 3-2.
It will be a game which no Manchester City fan will ever forget, but the day is unforgettable for Ukrainian refugee Vlad in a different sense as he ended up with former Manchester City left back, and fellow Ukrainian Oleksandr Zinchenko’s match worn shirt.
Vlad is a 13 year old boy who was forced to flee his home with his Mother when Russia invaded Ukraine earlier this year.
After applying for the government’s 'homes for Ukraine' scheme, Sally Morris from Stockport ended up hosting Vlad and his mother in her home for an initial 6 month period.
Being a Manchester City season ticket holder herself, Sally wanted to share this special day with Vlad.
“We contacted the club and asked if they had any tickets for a Ukrainian child, and they were willing to give us extra tickets” Said Sally.
Vlad, with the help of his Mother made a poster in Ukrainian asking Zinchenko for his shirt which the player acknowledged at the start of the game and told them to wait behind afterwards.
Despite multiple security members trying to get Vlad and Sally to leave, Zinchenko found them after the game and gave Vlad his shirt and had a long conversation with the pair.
Zinchenko speaking to Sally, the sponsor and host of Vlad and his mother (Photo Credit:Sally Morris)
Zinchenko speaking to Sally, the sponsor and host of Vlad and his mother (Photo Credit:Sally Morris)
“After meeting Zinchenko, he burst into tears. He had only been in England for a few weeks at that point and it was a very emotional time for him. Hearing his home language being spoken by another person was a massive relief for him” Sally said.
“To this day, Vlad sleeps with the shirt under his pillow every night. To him, Zinchenko is the best thing to have happened since sliced bread”.
Sally’s initial 6 month period is coming to an end next month, but she has agreed to host Vlad and his mother for a further 6 months.
“Having Vlad and his mother has been joyful. He’s the most delightful child and it’s been a wonderful learning experience having them with us”
Zinchenko has since moved to fellow Premier League club Arsenal, but still continues to fight for his country’s freedom and support fellow Ukranians in England.
Zinchenko moved to Arsenal in July 2022 for a rumoured £30m fee (Photo credit: Oleksandr Zinchenko via instagram)
Zinchenko moved to Arsenal in July 2022 for a rumoured £30m fee (Photo credit: Oleksandr Zinchenko via instagram)
Vlad with the shirt Zinchenko gave to him and the sign he made for the game. The sign reads "Oleksandr Zinchenko, I am Ukrainian, please can I have your shirt" (Photo Credit: Josh Lobley)
Vlad with the shirt Zinchenko gave to him and the sign he made for the game. The sign reads "Oleksandr Zinchenko, I am Ukrainian, please can I have your shirt" (Photo Credit: Josh Lobley)
Zinchenko took to Instagram to respond to the Russian invasion, calling for Russia to be banned from all sport across the globe
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