Oleg Luzhny has admitted it was an 'easy decision' to return to his native Ukraine to assist on the front lines of the war.

The former Arsenal ace decided to go to Kiev after the Russian occupation to help efforts to fight against Vladimir Putin's men.

The 53-year-old has been separated from his children as he fights for the country's future - but he insists it was not a difficult decision to come back and help.

He told Sky Sports: "The situation in Ukraine now is very, very difficult, because of our Russian neighbor."

"Everyone is surprised by this situation.

And the situation is very dangerous.

The Russians have destroyed many houses, streets, business centers.

Sometimes rockets come two or three times during the day and at night as well.

"It's very, very dangerous."

"It was an easy decision to come back here.

I love this place.

"I want to fight with my friends to defend my country against the Russian army."

"Everyone has to fight.

You have to fight for your country.

It was an easy decision.

We have groups of five or six people and some cops.

"And we have a special area where we walk for 12 hours, every two or three days."

"It's difficult, of course.

It's hard, but I'm fine.

There has been a lot of damage in our country.

Here in Kiev is okay, not much.

"But in the country, in Mariupol, it is much more difficult."

"My wife stays here with me and my children stay away.

They have their jobs.

All my friends stand to fight.

"No one is leaving."

"I do not know when I will see my family again.

When this war is over, after we win and have a great celebration.

I do not know if we will have peace soon.

The situation is not under control.

"We do not know what Putin has in his brain."

"We do not panic.

We are strong inside.

We have a good spirit inside.

Our soldiers are fantastic.

"They are not afraid of the Russians."

"The Russians are afraid of us now.

Because they are coming home now.

"We have good positive feelings," he added.

Luzhnny's old club Arsenal showed their support for the Ukrainian in the recent 2-0 win over Leicester, putting up his shirt in the locker room and including his name on their squad list in the day program. of the match.

Regarding the gesture of his old club, he added: "I heard about it and started preparing for the game.

"It was a nice surprise for me."

"I want to say thank you to Arsenal, the club and the players, from me and my country, thank you for your support."

"They help us by supporting us.

"I would like to thank all the British people and the Government of the United Kingdom for all their support for us."

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