Ukrainian Andriy Yarmolenko was emotional after scoring in West Ham's Premier League win over Aston Villa at the London Stadium on Sunday.
The forward, who was given time off following the Russian invasion of his country, came off the bench to an incredible reaction.
He then opened the scoring for the Hammers in the 70th minute as they beat Villa 2-1.
Yarmolenko has represented his country at senior level 106 times in all competitions, scoring 44 times.
Speaking to Sky Sports after Sunday's game Yarmolenko said it was a special moment.
"It was so emotional for me because of the situation in my country.
"It's so difficult for me right now in this moment thinking about the football because every day in my country the Russian Army kill Ukrainian people.
"It was so, so emotional is all that I can say. To be honest I don't know what to say.
"I just want to say thank you to my teammates who support me all the time, every day.
"To the West Ham fans - they also support me and support Ukrainian people.
"Also thank you to all British people because we feel you support us and really thank you.
"I felt support from the fans and I just tried to give everything on the pitch."
We love you, Yarma! 😢🥰 pic.twitter.com/KsQ1PUhHRh
— West Ham United (@WestHam) March 13, 2022
Yarmolenko also explained how difficult it has been to focus on football over the last two weeks.
He says his training regime has been heavily impacted by the stress of the last few weeks.
He further extended his gratitude to his teammates, the club and fans for their support.
"I know how important a game it was for us today.
"I'm not ready for 100% because the last two weeks I trained maybe like three or four times, I was thinking about my family, my people.
"I just tried to give everything on the pitch.
"For me it's really important to feel support from the manager, from my teammates, from the fans.
"When I feel it I give everything."
