Oleksandr Zinchenko handed over the Man City captain’s armband in a powerful show of support

Zinchenko continued to play for Manchester City as his home country Ukraine suffered the brutal tragedy of an invasion by Russia, including against Peterborough on Tuesday.

Oleksandr Zinchenko has been handed the captain’s armband for Manchester City’s FA Cup trip to Peterborough United in a powerful show of support for the Ukrainian.

The left-back started the match, his first game for the club since his country was invaded by Russia last Thursday, a move which sparked an outpouring of support for Ukraine and its people.

The most potent sporting example of this came during City’s trip to Everton on Saturday night when both teams waved the Ukrainian flag and Zinchenko kissed compatriot Vitaliy Mykolenko before kick-off.

Zinchenko started the Premier League clash on the bench but was named to start at left-back by City boss Pep Guardiola for the fifth round at Championship side Peterborough.

When announcing its composition on social networks, City had appointed Fernandinho as captain of the evening.

But 45 minutes later City released a short message to reveal the midfielder had passed the armband to Zinchenko in support of him and his country.

Guardiola revealed before kick-off that the decision to make Zinchenko captain, who has 48 caps for Ukraine, was entirely up to Fernandinho.

“Our captain has decided to hand him the armband to show how important the situation is and we are all behind his gesture. He represents his country,” Guardiola told ITV Sport.

The City boss previously insisted Zinchenko was in the right frame of mind to play despite the tragedy that has befallen his homeland.

“Human beings have the ability to adapt and overcome difficult situations,” Guardiola said.

“When he’s at home, talking to his family and friends and watching the videos (of the war), of course he can’t be happy.

“But in training with his friends, in the locker room, the ball is so attractive. He can forget for a short time. Then he goes back to his wife and daughter and it must be hard.

As Zinchenko led the City team for the game, he held the Ukrainian flag with Peterborough captain Frankie Kent.

Mascot Posh had also run around the pitch carrying the flag during warm-ups, when Zinchenko was cheered by the entire stadium as his name was read.

Zinchenko himself expressed his anger at the Russian invasion and insisted that Ukraine will remain a sovereign nation.

“The whole civilized world is worried about the situation in my country. I can’t stay away and try to convey my opinion,” he wrote on Instagram.

“In the photo – my country. The country where I was born and where I grew up. A country whose colors I defend on the international sports scene.

“A country that we are trying to glorify and develop. A country whose borders must remain inviolable.

“My country belongs to the Ukrainians and no one can ever take it over. We won’t give up! Glory to Ukraine.”