Manchester City defender John Stones has spoken about the impact the war in Ukraine had on Oleksandr Zinchenko while the pair were teammates at the Etihad.
The England international was playing with Zinchenko for Pep Guardiola's side when Russia invaded the latter's homeland, and the now Arsenal man was - and still is - understandably emotional. After City won the Premier League title on the final day of last season, he celebrated by draping himself in a Ukrainian flag.
Stones is expected to come up against Zinchenko when England welcome Ukraine to Wembley for a Euro 2024 qualifier on Sunday evening. Despite this, and the fact the duo are now battling for the top-flight title, the Blues defender spoke of his respect and admiration for his former teammate.
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Discussing Zinchenko's demeanour when Russian troops invaded Ukraine 13 months ago, Stones said: "I don’t know if shocked is the right word. But Zinner wasn’t himself at all. He was very sad. He is usually such a bubbly person, really happy. It shocked us all. I never thought I would see this happen.
"I was so upset for Zinner. We all tried to speak to him and get him to vent his feelings. He was always looking for what his family, who were still over there, were doing and how he could help.
"I know he was out there on the streets in Manchester with a lot of his fellow countrymen that he could be with and support at that time. I think it was also about the football family. People showed their hearts, putting their club and love for their team to one side and recognising there are bigger things than football. I can’t imagine what he went through.
"For him to go through it seamlessly and win another title is a huge credit to him and his whole support team, his wife, his mental strength and everything. I think he will probably have wanted to do that for them, succeed and not kind of let it get him down or stop him from achieving his goal."
Stones admitted that he would share a laugh and a joke with Zinchenko in the tunnel before the game on Sunday, but insisted he will be aiming to defeat the Ukraine ace as soon as he crosses the white line.
He added: "I have got a lot of love for Zinner and a lot of respect. We still speak. It’s not easy for someone to leave a club and still stay in contact, but he has done that and we still have a laugh. We will probably have a joke in the tunnel - but as soon as the whistle goes we want to beat each other.
"I definitely want to beat Zinner - because I know it will be the other way around with him. There will be a lot of respect there as well, but we want to keep moving forward and get three points."
Stones was impressive as England began their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a victory over reigning champions Italy on Thursday night. The Three Lions won 2-1 thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Harry Kane.
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