Ukraine manager, 64, thinks he could still 'take two or three enemies out'

Oleksandr Petrakov chose not to leave his home in Kyiv and tried to sign up to Ukraine’s territorial defence but was advised that his lack of military experience was an issue

Ukraine's head coach Oleksandr Petrakov. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

When the war broke out in the early hours of 24 February, Oleksandr Petrakov, the manager of Ukraine’s men’s national football team, chose not to leave his home in the capital, Kyiv, as the Russians advanced and shells dropped, but to try to join the fight.

“My family told me to go to western Ukraine but I refused. I said: ‘I am from Kyiv, I can’t leave,’” says Petrakov. “I didn’t think it would be correct as people have to defend and I can’t run. I thought, if they come to Kyiv I will pick up a weapon and defend my city.” He adds: “I am 64 but I felt it was normal to do this. I think I could take two or three enemies out.”