Russian invasion: Brazilian footballers in Ukraine beg for evacuation
Brazilian footballers stranded in Ukraine have appealed to the government of their country to evacuate them following the invasion by Russia.
The footballers who play for Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv, along with their families, in a video shared on social media on Thursday, cried out over the situation in war-hit Ukraine.
The video was uploaded on Twitter by journalist Arthur Quezada.
The Shakhtar striker Junior Moraes, 34, also sent a message on Instagram, saying, “The situation is one of despair. I ask you to disclose this video so that it reaches the [Brazilian] government.
“Borders are closed, banks [are shut], there is no fuel, there will be a shortage of food, there is no money.
“All friends and family, the situation is serious and we are stuck in Kyiv waiting for a solution to get out. We are inside a hotel. Pray for us.
“We are gathered waiting for a plan to leave Ukraine.”
Twelve Brazilian players are in the Shakhtar squad, one of which is David Neres who had just completed a transfer from Dutch club Ajax to Shakhtar last month.
Other Brazilian players in Shakhtar’s squad are defenders Dodo, Vitao, Marlon, Ismaily and Vinicius Tobias, plus midfielders Maycon, Marcos Antonio, Tete, Alan Patrick, Pedrinho and Fernando.
PUNCH/Mercy Chukwudiebere
