The top footballer of the Ukrainian national team declined an offer from a major club due to the presence of a Russian player on the team.

Ukrainian defender of the English football club Bournemouth, Illia Zabarnyi, declined a transfer to the French PSG due to the presence of a Russian player.

On the Parisian team plays Russian citizen goalkeeper Matvei Safonov.

Journalist Loïc Tanzi reported that the war between Ukraine and Russia gives no moral right for a Ukrainian to join a European top club.

“If Safonov is part of the team, I won’t be able to move to PSG,” Zabarnyi is quoted by the journalist.

Tanzi also mentioned that Zabarnyi understands the close connection between the positions of goalkeeper and defender, and he wouldn't want to jeopardize the team.

Furthermore, there is information that PSG is so interested in acquiring Zabarnyi that they are considering the option of selling Safonov.

Background. It is worth reminding that at the end of 2024, Illia Zabarnyi was recognized as the best player of the Ukrainian national football team.