“Looking at the fact that lately they have been spreading not only false, but simply fabricated information that I refuse to represent the national team of Ukraine, I cannot remain silent, especially when they try to smear my name and question my love and devotion to the national team.
Before spreading any information, dear journalists, make sure of its truthfulness. Have any of you heard from me that I refuse to come to the national team, or from the head coach?! The answer is “no”, because it is impossible a priori – to even think about not playing for the national team of Ukraine, not to say such a thing.
The national team is the dream and goal of every football player, and for me it is a matter of pride to represent the colors of our country. There were enough games when I didn’t play, but was on the bench, and there were no problems. So why should they be now, when we all perfectly understand that this is the national team, and the most important thing there is the team and the result?
Everyone wants to play and that’s fine, but it’s up to the coach to decide what’s best for the team, and we as players have to be ready to help. The articles that were published are lies. The unprofessionalism of journalists who make such publications or statements is disrespectful to me as a professional and as a person. I consider it wrong to use journalism and information space to misinform fans and resolve conflicts between us. Peace to all, and Glory to Ukraine!”
Source: sport.ua