Andriy Yarmolenko said he is finding it impossible to think about football and thanked his West Ham team-mates, fans and the British people for their support after scoring on his return.
The Ukraine international came off the bench to find the net against Aston Villa in his first appearance since the Russian invasion of his homeland.
Yarmolenko collapsed to his knees in celebration and was in tears as he made his way back to the halfway line on an emotional day at the London Stadium.
"It was so emotional for me because of the situation in my country," Yarmolenko told Sky Sports. "It is so difficult for me right now in this moment thinking about football because every day, the Russian army is killing Ukrainian people.
"It was so emotional. To be honest, I don’t know what to say. I just want to say thank you to my team-mates, who support me all the time, every day.
“To West Ham fans, they also support me and Ukrainian people and also to all British people, because we feel you support us. Thank you, really.
"I felt the support from the fans and I tried to give everything on the pitch because I know how important the game was for us today. I’m not ready 100 per cent because the last two weeks I train maybe three or four times.
"Since February 26, I had to rest for four days because it was impossible to train, I was just thinking about my family and my people. I just tried to give everything on the pitch.
"For me, it is really important to feel the support from the manager and my team-mates and the fans. When I feel it, I give everything for the fans and the club."
