Fuq Instagram, Szczesny ħabbar li mhuwiex se jkun qed jilgħab mat-tim nazzjonali tal-Polonja kontra r-Russja. Hu spjega li martu hi Ukrena u ħafna mill-ħaddiema tiegħu huma mill-Ukraina. Skontu ma jħossx li għandu jilgħab kontra plejers li jħaddnu l-valuri tar-Russja li qed toħloq tant tbatija għan-nies tal-Ukraina.

Dan hu l-messaġġ sħiħa ta’ Szczesny:

“My wife was born in Ukraine, there is Ukrainian blood running through the veins of my son, part of our family is still in Ukraine, a lot of my workers are Ukrainian and they’re all great people.

Seeing the suffering on their faces and fear for their country makes me realise I can’t stand still and pretend that nothing has happened.

The moment Putin decided to invade Ukraine he declared war not only on Ukraine but also on all the values Europe stands for. Liberty, Independence but, most of all, Peace.

On March 26 we were supposed to play against Russia in a play-off match for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. And although my heart breaks while writing this, my conscience will not let me play.

Representing your country is the biggest honour in a footballer’s career but it’s still a choice.

I refuse to play against players who choose to represent the values and principles of Russia!

I refuse to stand on the pitch, wearing the colours of my country and listen to the national anthem of Russia!

I refuse to take part in a sporting event that legitimises the actions of the Russian government.

I know my impact may only be symbolic but I call on FIFA and UEFA to take action and hold the Russian Federation accountable for their actions.

I can’t imagine playing a match with the Russian National Team in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues. Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can’t pretend that nothing is happening.”