Declan Rice has paid tribute to Andriy Yarmolenko after the West Ham star scored the winner to knock Sevilla out of the Europa League. The Ukranian star has scored two goals since returning from compassionate leave.
Yarmolenko, 32, came off the bench on Thursday, with West Ham leading 1-0 on the night – drawing 1-1 on aggregate. Going into extra time, the game was a close affair – it was Yarmolenko that provided the difference.
Pablo Fornals cut inside onto his right foot and his effort was parried by goalkeeper Bono. But Yarmolenko showed all his experience, instinctively reacting first to tap home the rebound and send West Ham through.
Rice spoke after the match on BT Sport, responding to questions from Carlton Cole and Joe Cole – and he paid tribute to Yarmolenko who of course, is going through a lot – given the invasion of Ukraine.
“Yarmolenko was a little bit emotional away from the lads afterwards. For what he’s been through to perform like this – his desire, the way he chased players and scored. He deserves this. He stepped up. I’m delighted for him.”
Rice on Yarmolenko: West Ham star deserves enormous praise
For Yarmolenko to play in the current circumstances deserves massive plaudits. It comes after the West Ham star traveled to Poland to rescue his family, after they had fled the country of Ukraine.
But to perform the heroics in wins over Aston Villa and now Sevilla, shows the mental capacity and strength of the 106-time Ukraine star. It is written in the stars for the West Ham ace, and he deserves every inch of it.
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