Brazilian footballer who wanted to play for Ukraine gets to join Ukranian army instead

A Brazilian footballer has been left to regret his decision to change his citizenship in order to play international football for Ukraine after the army called him up to fight with them.

Acting President Oleksandr Turchynov has issued the decree saying that Ukraine would conduct a draft for active military service in order to increase the state defence potential. And Edmar Halowski de Lacerda, who married Ukrainian native Tatyana in 2008, has to report for duty, The Daily Star reported.

The decree states that the Ukrainian male citizens who are physically qualified for military service, over 18-years-old and older and who have no right for exemption from military service would be conscripted.

De Lacerda said that he had not reckoned on this and although he is a bit nervous that it might not get sorted out, he has to say that his wife is terrified. He added that he has told his wife not to worry though and everything would be fine.

The midfielder added that he honestly does not know what he would do if he actually went into the army, as playing football is the only thing he can do. For the last three years the De Lacerda has played for Ukrainian team Metalist Kharkiv, the report added.