Yuriy Vernydub, the Sheriff Tiraspol coach who pulled
off one of the biggest upsets in Champions League history by beating Real
Madrid, joined Ukrainian armed forces to fight for his home homeland against
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Also Read: Explained: A look at weapons used by Russia in war against Ukraine

The 56-year-old coach said he did not hesitate to give
up his coaching job and join the army after his son apprised him last week that
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his armed forces to launch a “special
military operation” against Ukraine.

“My son called me at 4:30am and he told me the
Russians attacked us. I knew then that I would return to Ukraine to fight,”
he told BBC.

Also Read: In Pics: Tearful Ukrainians bid adieu to loved ones at train stations

Vernydub is one of many noted Ukrainian sporting
personalities, including world heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, who
have joined the fight against Russian armed forces.

Vernydub received the call after Sheriff Tiraspol lost
their Europa League play-off match on penalties to Braga after the tie finished
2-2 on aggregate.

Sheriff Tiraspol play in the Moldovan league but they
are from Transnistria, a pro-Russian separatist state created after a civil war
following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Also Read: Satellite images tell Ukraine story, precision triggers concerns

Former Zenit Saint Petersburg footballer 

Vernydub, who ended his playing career at Russian side
Zenit Saint Petersburg, spent 11 hours travelling home to Ukraine on Saturday.

Many of his family tried to dissuade him but he did
not listen.

“I thank my wife for supporting me,” he
said. “She knows my character. If I make a decision, I won’t change
it.”

Also Read: No consensus on ceasefire, Ukraine-Russia agree on humanitarian corridor

Vernydub says he did receive two years of military
training when he was younger and said “I know how to use” firearms.

His passion for this unexpected turn in life is clear.
“They (the Russians) said we are fascists, Nazis… I can’t even find my
words to describe what they’re doing,” he said.

“They are attacking civilian homes, but only say
they hit the military infrastructure. They are lying.

Also Read: After Chernobyl, Russians in Ukraine head to Europe’s largest nuclear plant

“I don’t have any doubt in my mind that Ukraine
will win this war. I can’t think of anything else. I’m sure of that. I saw this
tragedy united us as a nation.”

Vernydub says he had “total respect” for
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “People were calling him a clown,
but he showed he is a real leader,” he said.

Also Read: Roscosmos axes joint ISS experiments with Germany in response to sanctions

Vernydub said his mind often drifted back to the
evening in Madrid when Sheriff triumphed over 13-time European champions Real.