Paris (AFP) – Sheriff Tiraspol coach Yuriy Vernydub pulled off one of many greatest upsets in Champions League historical past by beating Actual Madrid — months later he’s shouldering arms in defence of his native Ukraine towards the Russian invasion.
The 56-year-old informed the BBC he didn’t hesitate in returning dwelling as soon as his son knowledgeable him final week that Russian President Vladimir Putin had launched army motion.
“My son known as me at 4:30am and he informed me the Russians attacked us. I knew then that I might return to Ukraine to struggle,” he mentioned.
Vernydub is certainly one of a number of well-known Ukrainian sporting personalities, together with world heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, who’ve returned dwelling to struggle.
Vernydub obtained the decision whereas in Portugal for a Europa League play-off match — Sheriff misplaced on penalties to Braga after the tie completed 2-2 on combination.
Whereas Sheriff play within the Moldovan league, they’re from Transnistria, a pro-Russian separatist state created after a civil battle following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Vernydub, who ended his enjoying profession at Russian facet Zenit Saint Petersburg, spent 11 hours travelling dwelling to Ukraine on Saturday.
A lot of his household tried to dissuade him.
“I thank my spouse for supporting me,” he mentioned.
“She is aware of my character. If I decide, I gained’t change it.”
– ‘United us as a nation’ –
Vernydub says he did obtain two years of army coaching when he was youthful and mentioned “I understand how to make use of” firearms.
On the time of the BBC interview he was 120 kilometres from the combating.
“I’m not allowed to reveal what my position is within the military,” he mentioned.
“Now we’re being instructed. In each minute we’re able to go the place they inform us to. I’ve not used my weapon but however I’m prepared, at all times. Any time.”
His ardour for this surprising flip in life is evident.
“They (the Russians) mentioned we’re fascists, Nazis… I can’t even discover my phrases to explain what they’re doing,” he mentioned.
“They’re attacking civilian properties, however solely say they hit the army infrastructure. They’re mendacity.
“I don’t have any doubt in my thoughts that Ukraine will win this battle. I can’t consider anything. I’m certain of that. I noticed this tragedy united us as a nation.”
Vernydub says he had “complete respect” for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “Individuals had been calling him a clown, however he confirmed he’s an actual chief,” he mentioned.
Vernydub mentioned his thoughts typically drifted again to the night in Madrid when Sheriff triumphed over 13-time European champions Actual.
“Once we beat Actual Madrid, I couldn’t think about this,” he mentioned.
At the beginning of February, he grew to become fearful.
“The gamers stored asking me why I’m so unhappy on a regular basis. Did something occur to me? I stored saying nothing’s incorrect, however quickly one thing might be.”
It’s his past love soccer, although, that retains Vernydub’s adrenaline pumping.
“Serious about soccer motivates me,” he mentioned.
“Soccer is my life. I hope this battle gained’t final for lengthy. We are going to win and I’ll return to my beloved work.”
