Football may seem irrelevant given events in Ukraine, but Mickey Ambrose is filled with admiration for one of West Ham’s star players

West Ham and Ukrainian star Andriy Yarmolenko we salute you. And our hearts go out to you, your family and the Ukrainian people during these dreadful times.

The Ukraine ace scored his second match winning goal against Sevilla in the Europa League 2nd Leg to send the Hammers into the quarter finals in an emotional night at the London Stadium following his return from compassionate leave.

As supporters stayed to celebrate, West Ham had rarely felt more united as a club, and the result should fundamentally change perceptions of what is possible. It can act as an inspiration to overcome adversity and a springboard for hope in the future.

With important Premiership games against Everton, Brentford, Burnley and Chelsea on the horizon, every game for the East London side will be a Cup Final as the Hammers chase a 4th Champions League spot under stiff competition from Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham.

Meanwhile, on a separate note my old club Chelsea has been hit by the fall out from sanctions against Russian owner Roman Ambramovich imposed by the government. The club has to be sold and is unable to trade freely. I was invited as a guest on the award winning ITN News special programme on Ukraine, presented by Julie Ethchingham. You can view that interview below:

The final word however must go to Andriy Yarmolenko who is somehow digging deep and finding the strength to run out on a football pitch while his country is under siege. At times like this football is irrelevant but I hope it’s helping Andriy in some way.

Well done Andriy.

Mickey Ambrose is a former Chelsea and Charlton player who lives in Stratford

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