Zinchenko slams ex-teammates' Ukraine invasion response -

Oleksandr Zinchenko has hit out at some of his former teammates who have remained silent whilst Russia invade his homeland Ukraine.

The eastern European country have hit by military action which has seen huge amounts of civilian casualties. Zinchenko's emotion has been clear whilst he remains professional as his side, Manchester City, eye the treble this season.

Zinchenko previously spent two years playing in Russia with FC Ufa before he moved to the Etihad. The 25-year-old thought he had built bonds with players that we due to last, but their actions - or lack of - following the invasion has left the versatile player questioning his relationships.

"I have friends over there, a small circle, but now it has reduced almost to nothing," he told the Guardian. "I'm so disappointed. The guys I know called me as soon as the invasion happened, texted me: 'I'm so sorry Alex, but we can't do anything.' Of course you can.

"If you stay silent it means you support what is happening in Ukraine right now, and I can't see why they would. Maybe they are scared, because we see pictures on social media of Russians being taken to prison if they protest. But look at footballers in particular, or anyone with a massive audience.

"Can you believe that, if all of them posted something on Instagram at the same time saying: 'Guys, we are against the war, we need to stop it,' they would all be arrested? Of course they would not. And it's such a shame that they say nothing."

Zinchenko has continued to received the support of his club. In the FA Cup win over Peterborough he was handed the armband with a host of Ukraine flags hung in the away end. "My eyes were in tears," he confessed.. "I can't explain exactly what I felt inside but, feeling that support, I was so proud to be Ukrainian.

"I'm so thankful to the people who did it, and still do it. And it was so kind from the manager, and our captain Fernandinho, to give me this opportunity. Every day, still, they come up to me and ask how the situation is and how I am."

As a result of Russia's invasion into Ukraine their sports teams have been sanctioned by various governing bodies. However the City star doesn't want their players to be prohibited from playing in the top competitions. He said: "I posted things on Instagram about stopping Russian sport. I'm not wishing their footballers to stop playing in the Champions League and things like that but the more sanctions they are given, the more it might push people there to speak out and say: 'OK, we need to stop this together.'"