Emotional Oleksandr Zinchenko captains Man City vs Peterborough as Fernandinho offers armband in solidarity with Ukraine

OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO was named as Manchester City's skipper against Peterborough in the FA Cup as the club showed their support for Ukraine.

The 25-year-old was named in the starting XI for the Citizens for the first time following Russia's invasion of his homeland.

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Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho, who usually skippers City, handed the armband to his team-mate for Tuesday night's fifth round tie at London Road.

Boss Pep Guardiola confirmed Zinchenko was to feature against Peterborough.

The defender broke down in tears prior to Saturday's away win at Everton after fans and players showcased their solidarity with Ukraine.

Prior to the kick-off away at the Championship side, Zinchenko and Posh skipper Frankie Kent held up a Ukrainian flag.

A message on the big screen read: "We Stand With Ukraine."

Meanwhile, visiting supporters held up a banner which said: "Zinchenko: We Stand With You."

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Guardiola, who has initially named Fernandinho as the skipper for the match, declared that he was fully behind the Brazilian's decision.

He said: "Our captain [Fernandinho] decided to give the captain's armband to him [Oleksandr Zinchenko].

"It shows how important is the situation [in Ukraine]. All of the club is behind this gesture, behind our captain, to represent his country."

The Spanish gaffer also praised the left-back's mental strength following Russia's invasion of his country.

He remarked: "It will be good for him to show why he is here and a magnificent player needs to play football.

"Human beings have the ability to adapt and overcome difficult situations.

"Of course he cannot be happy but in training with his mates, talking in the locker room... football is so addictive, the ball is so attractive.

"He can forget for a short time. Then when he comes back home to his wife and daughter I can imagine it must be tough."

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