Naturalized Ukrainian, striker Junior Moraes, landed at Guarulhos International Airport this Thursday morning (3). In a conversation with journalists, the former Santos player recounted the drama experienced in the last week to escape Ukraine.
“It was a lot of pressure because where we were was the focus and the Russian army was getting closer and closer”, said the very emotional player, after meeting his wife and children again.
“We didn’t find the solution to leave. Every minute was difficult and agonizing,” she added.
According to a presidential decree, all men between the ages of 18 and 60 are not allowed to leave the country. Due to his dual citizenship, he was at risk of being called up to defend Ukraine from Russian troops, but he managed to leave the country earlier this week.
After leaving, he donated BRL 290,000 to the Ukrainian government.
“Of course there is tension. I was not born to enter a confrontational war zone. It never crossed my mind,” said the 34-year-old forward.
He has played for Shakhtar Donetsk since 2018 and played a key role in bringing the club’s other Brazilian players together and helping them get out of Ukraine. The group stayed at a hotel in the capital Kiev, protecting themselves from Russian attacks.
“At various times when I was on edge, I would stay in the bathroom or hide in the bedroom and pray. I asked God for strength because I couldn’t do it in front of anyone”, recalled the athlete.
In Brazil, Junior Moraes was revealed by Santos, where he won the 2007 Paulista. He even scored the title goal against São Caetano. He played for several clubs in Europe, before making his name for Shakhtar.
In 2019, he got his Ukrainian citizenship. He accumulates numerous call-ups and a goal for the national team.
Source: CNN Brasil
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