As the Russia-Ukraine war continues without any signs of an end, Ukrainian professional football manager Oleksandr Petrakov offered to join the fight for his country.

The 64-year-old chose not to leave Kyiv as political tension mounted in Eastern Europe. Despite his commitment for sporting matters, Petrakov expressed his interest of fight the forces sent into his country by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The national football team’s coach said that he could “take two or three enemies out.”

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“My family told me to go to western Ukraine but I refused. I said: ‘I am from Kyiv, I can’t leave,’” Petrakov said, according to the Irish Examiner. “I didn’t think it would be correct as people have to defend and I can’t run. I thought, if they come to Kyiv I will pick up a weapon and defend my city.”

He adds: “I am 64 but I felt it was normal to do this. I think I could take two or three enemies out.” The exact date when he made the comments remains unknown.

When the war broke out in the early hours of 24 February, Petrakov decided to remain in Kyiv amid the Russian advancement and heavy shelling. 

Petrakov told local media that he can’t help but admit to a more visceral emotion towards the ongoing war.

“It’s just hate. It is not anger, but people hate those who invaded their land. We need time to calm down but for now it is just hate. They have broken our countries for years.” 

In order to fight for his country, Petrakov tried to sign up to Ukraine’s territorial defense. However, his request was rejected due to his lack of military experience.

“I was told: ‘You have to sign a contract and someone will command you.’ He said: ‘I know you, that would be very hard. You don’t need this, you are another kind of person.’ And I’m 64, you understand?” 

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Last August, Petrakov took over from the former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko. The team were due to play Scotland in a play-off qualifier in Hampden Park in Glasgow on March 24 but it was postponed.

Under an order from Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, competitive football is banned among those between 18 and 60 who can fight.