Zabarnyi and Safonov: an explosive coexistence or a forced exit at PSG? The Ukrainian and the Russian will be teammates in Paris… and the Russian goalkeeper has no plans to leave.
The arrival of 22-year-old Ukrainian centre-back Ilya Zabarnyi is a major sporting boost for Paris Saint-Germain – but it also brings an unprecedented off-field challenge. Zabarnyi will share the dressing room with Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, at a time when their countries have been at war for over three years.
Back in January, when PSG first targeted him, the Kyiv-born defender had expressed reluctance to work alongside a Russian player on a daily basis.
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Safonov determined to stay despite political tension and war
A Ukrainian football expert warned in L’Équipe: “I don’t see how this coexistence can last. Ukrainians won’t accept seeing them pose together, celebrate titles together… PSG will have to handle this situation.”
The Paris club has stayed silent so far, but this could quickly turn into a hot topic. Safonov, who was previously linked with a departure, has no intention of leaving and has even turned down an offer from another Ligue 1 side. The season ahead could be just as intense off the pitch as it will be on it.
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