Tearful Oleksandr Zinchenko Places Ukraine Flag On Premier League Trophy After Manchester City's Dramatic Win

A tearful Oleksandr Zinchenko placed the Ukraine flag on the Premier League trophy in emotional scenes at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Manchester City came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at home to Aston Villa to secure a fourth Premier League title in five years, scoring three times in a dramatic five-minute period.

Zinchenko came on at half-time in place of club captain Fernandinho in his final game and helped change the game with a superb second half performance, assisting the equaliser from Rodri.

And while there were wild scenes after City retained their title, there was a moving moment involving Zinchenko.

He came back out from the tunnel with his Ukraine flag and promptly draped it over the blue ribboned trophy.

The gesture was particularly poignant due the ongoing invasion of Ukraine from Vladimir Putin and Russia and Zinchenko burst into tears.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk man was then comforted by his teammates.

Zinchenko has been extremely vocal about the war in Ukraine following the attack from Russia and expressed his thanks for the support he has received in such a tough time.

He also wants to bring the trophy back to his country in the future.

"Unforgettable emotions for me - for all Ukrainians who are at the moment starving, and surviving in my country because of Russian aggression," he told Sky Sports.

"I am so proud to be Ukrainian and I would love one day to bring this title to Ukraine, for all Ukrainian people because they deserve it.

"It means everything for me - I would die for these people and their support. What people gave me and what they have done for me during this period, the toughest period of my life, I am so appreciative and I will never forget this, never in my life.

"At some point, in the beginning of the war I didn't think about football because it's impossible to live and know what is happening in my country. But with all the support I have had, we did it."

Zinchenko signed for City for just £1.7 million from Russian side FC Ufa and after being converted into a left-back, has won a total of ten trophies with the club.

Featured Image Credit: Image: Sky Sports & PA Images

Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Pep Guardiola, Liverpool, Aston Villa

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@joshlawless_