Everton offer Vitalii Mykolenko support after Russian invasion of Ukraine
Everton say they will offer Vitalii Mykolenko “all the support he needs” after his home country Ukraine was invaded by Russia, reports the Liverpool Echo.
A “military assault” was launched earlier today (Thursday 24 February) (BBC) and the January signing from Dynamo Kyiv has reportedly posted twice on social media in support of his fellow citizens.
The events in Europe have prompted UEFA to call an “extraordinary meeting” of the Executive Committee to discuss the Champions League final, due to be held in St Petersburg, with Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol saying he would be “very surprised” if it stays there.
The Liverpool Echo reports of the 22-year-old left-back: “The defender is understood to have not requested anything from the club at this stage – but the Blues have made clear they are prepared to do anything they can to help the 22-year-old.”
Worrying developments
With current events such a concern to Ukrainians, as well as wider Europe, football pails in significance, and it would be understandable if Mykolenko was not in a fit state to feature for his club.
From a footballing point of view he was already dealing with significant upheaval following his recent arrival.
Signed by Rafael Benitez in the dying days of the previous manager’s tenure, he was welcomed by the toxic atmosphere that surrounded the club at the time.
He was put straight into the starting XI for 120 minutes of the FA Cup victory over Hull, before featuring in the poisonous defeat to Norwich which saw the Spaniard removed.
He has also had to carry the knowledge that he was brought into the replace Lucas Digne, whose ultimately unnecessary sale was sanctioned to provide backing for Benitez.
Arriving in a new country, to a club in turmoil, and not knowing whether new manager Frank Lampard rates him would be overwhelming enough for many.
So with the fears he will no doubt have over family and friends in his homeland on top it would be a surprise to see him feature for now, and it is a small comfort to know the club is committed to supporting him.
In other Everton news, one member of the backroom staff jumped at the chance to move to Goodison.