"Until now, I don't want to talk about the topic of events in Ukraine," Dzyuba said

Russia's National Team Captain Opens Up: Football Can't Be Mixed With Politics?The captain of the Russian national team and Zenit St Petersburg, Artem Dzyuba finally opened his voice after the last week of being silent about the war currently going on between his country and Ukraine.

A few days ago, Everton defender from Ukraine, Vitaliy Mykolenko criticized Dzyuba for being silent even though Russia began to invade Ukraine with their military might.

Recently, it was West Ham striker Andriy Yarmolenko's turn to speak up. Yarmolenko challenged Dzyuba to show his courage to speak out about this war.

Artem Dzyuba's Response

After being pushed here and there, Dzyuba finally spoke up. The 33-year-old player emphasized that he had been silent all this time not because he supported the war.

"Until now, I don't want to talk about the topic of events in Ukraine," Dzyuba said in a post on his personal Instagram account.

"I didn't want to, not because I was afraid, but because I'm not a political scientist, I never entered and I didn't intend to (unlike a large number of political scientists and virologists who have recently appeared on the internet)."

Artem Dzyuba Proud To Be Russian

Dzyuba insists that he is against war. However, Dzyuba also stated that he was proud to be a Russian citizen.

“But like everyone else, I have my own opinion. Since I am interested in this topic from all sides, I will reveal it," said Dzyuba.

“I am against any war. War is scary. But I also stand against human aggression and hatred, which are becoming more and more destructive by the day."

“I am against discrimination based on nationality. I am not ashamed that I am Russian. I am proud to be Russian. And I don't understand why athletes have to suffer now."

Artem Dzyuba Fails To Understand

Furthermore, Dzyuba also fails to understand why football and sport in general can now be mixed with politics after Russia and Spartak Moscow were removed from the World Cup and Europa League play-offs.

“I am against double standards. Why can someone do everything, but all dogs hang on us. Why is everyone always shouting about sport outside of politics, but at the first opportunity, when it comes to Russia, this principle is completely forgotten?" Dzyuba said.

“Again, war is scary. In stressful situations, people show their essence, sometimes negatively. How much anger, dirt and bile has now been poured out on all Russians, regardless of their position and profession. Thousands of people wrote those insults and threats - stand in line!"

“It is very strange to hear all this from people who have been given so much by Russia in their lives. All of this only creates more negativity. The war will end, but human relations will remain. And it's impossible to turn back. Remember this.

Allusion to Andriy Yarmolenko

Not to forget, Dzyuba ended his upload by making a satire for Yarmolenko and calling for peace.

"P.S. And for the few colleagues who sit with their ass in British mansions and say terrible things: this can't offend us, we understand everything! Peace and goodness to all! #I'mAPatriotOfMyCountry #SportOutPolitics.”