At the Bernabeu six months ago, Yuriy Vernduby was celebrating wildly. The Sheriff's team had just beaten Real Madrid in the European Championship. The result was a huge blow to the Moldovan league winners, who come from Transnistria, a republic under heavy Russian influence. A triumph against the 13-time European champions was barely believable for a side who came through four rounds of qualification to reach the group stage and did so on an annual budget of around $5m.
After finishing third in their group, Sheriff were in Portugal to play in the knockout stage of the Europa League. After arriving in Braga on Wednesday to prepare for the game, the Ukrainian coach went to bed hoping for a good night's sleep as his players prepared to defend a 2-1 first-leg lead.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, the 56-year-old's life would change forever.
The Russians attacked us, my son told me. I knew I would return to fight.
We landed in Iasi, Romania. The rest of the team left for Ukraine on Saturday morning after I took a bus to Tiraspol. I joined on Sunday. It took 11 hours from Tiraspol to my home in Ukranian, but I can not say it was difficult.
I don't want to tell you the truth. I saw a lot of strong men leave the country. I will be happy if they come back. They left with their families to other countries. A lot of men from our area have left. At that point, I realized that I can not do the same thing. As soon as I get home, I will enroll myself.
The people were trying to stop me. My family. I thank my wife for supporting me. She knows my personality. I will not change the decision if I make it.
This option is still open for my children, their wives, and my grandsons, even though we didn't go to Moldova. My wife and I are staying here.
I think I am close to the conflict. The battles are close to where we are. I made my decision and everything is fine. I'm not afraid.
It was mandatory for me to be in the army when I was young. It was in a unit for sportsmen. We learned how to handle a gun after being instructed in theory for two months. That was a long time ago. I know how to use fire arms.
The collective is crazy. It was in a good way. I am part of a team that is really cool. There are different people here. They are friendly and very motivated. Everything is shared between us. All is good from this point of view. Many people wanted to take pictures with me.
I met a nephew here, but I don't know who he is or who isn't. My brother is older than 60. My youngest son is not able to fight because of his health. I told my oldest son to stay at home with his two young children. I have no doubt that he will come if needed.
I can't say what my role is in the army. We are being told. We are ready to go where they tell us to. I am always ready, even though I haven't used my weapon yet. Any time.
I don't understand Putin and his circle. The Russians are not against him. Many of the Russian citizens don't know what's happening Things are shown differently in Russia. They say they are freeing us. But from what? They said we are fascists. I don't know what to say to describe what they're doing. They only hit the military infrastructure when attacking civilian homes. They are lying.
I have no doubt that Ukraine will win this war. I cannot think of anything else. I am certain of that. I saw that the tragedy united us as a nation.
I have total respect for the president of Ukraine. No matter what they say about him. I voted for him. He showed he is a real leader when people called him a clown.
He is honest. Everyone makes mistakes, but he made them too. It is hard to lead a country. He is a good man. The president will act in a correct way. I believe in him.
When we win, peace will happen. Russia's demands are hard to reach. We will not stand down. There is a need for dialogue, but not enough. I hope they have the brains to stop the war. I hope children and women don't die. The most important thing is this.
I would like to thank the rest of Europe. A lot of people left for other countries. I would like to thank those countries. I would like to thank everyone for their support. They are facing a tough choice. I think they are starting to realize that Ukraine is the shield for the entire continent.
I still think about football. Football is what I do. I was a professional player and a coach after I started playing it as a child. I will win trophies and continue to be a manager.
When we beat Real Madrid, I was not sure what to think. I had doubts at the beginning of February. The news intensified on this subject. I began to get worried on February 14. The players kept asking me why I am sad. Did anything happen to me? I said nothing was wrong, but soon something will be. I felt something when they said it wouldn't.
I have received voice messages from some of the Sheriff boys. They asked how my family is doing. Sheriff won a game against a rival on 1 March. I appreciate that. I received words of encouragement from some coaches.
I like to think about football. Football is what I do. I hope this war is over soon. We will win and I will return to my work.
Additional reporting by Dumitru.
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