Vitaliy Mykolenko has been blown away by the way Premier League giants Everton have supported him during the Russia – Ukraine conflict, singling out Donny Van de Beek for praise in conversation with UA Tribuna.
It can’t be an easy time for Mykolenko.
Adapting to life in a new league, and a new country, is difficult enough. But Mykolenko, a Ukraine international who arrived in January from Dynamo Kiev, has also had to deal with an unprecedented situation back home.
But what was it David Moyes called Everton? All those years ago? ‘The People’s Club’.
A family club who welcomed Mykolenko with open arms, doing everything and anything to ease his fears as the Russia – Ukraine war rages nearly 2,000 miles east.
Van de Beek’s touch of class
“Everyone came up and asked how my family was, my friends. On the second day, the head coach came up and said: ‘If you need a rest… If you need time, take your time’,” explains Mykolenko.
“I am grateful to the club for its support from all sides. The administrator in charge of the equipment said: ‘I know what your situation is. I understand how difficult it is for you. Come to us for dinner, let’s talk’.
“Donny van de Beek, a world-class player, approaches me and says: ‘My father and I want to rent a house for people, whether in the Netherlands or in Poland. We will take them from the border, settle them, pay for it.’
“I’m pleasantly shocked. I don’t know how to thank these people.
“Yesterday a physiotherapist came up and said: ‘I have a room, a bed for two people. Those who have nowhere to live, we are ready to shelter them’. I am shocked. Honestly, I’m shocked.”
Mykolenko, who was also watched by Roma, Newcastle United and Liverpool before joining Everton for around £18 million, has played just three Premier League games in his first few months on Merseyside.
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