Gerald Asamoah made an emotional statement about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The FC Schalke 04 club icon hopes that the global anti-war signals will also have an impact on Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
“Right now everything is kind of taking a backseat and you feel helpless and powerless. My thoughts are with the people of Ukraine,” Asamoah wrote in a guest post for “t-online.de”.
In this context, the former national player also praised “the impressive wave of solidarity that is sloshing towards the war”.
Praise for Formula 1 star Sebastian Vettel and Robert Lewandowski
Asamoah explained: “So many people are demonstrating, donating and supporting. And numerous athletes have also shown solidarity in sport. Unanimously and clearly. Politically and humanly. Perhaps more loudly than in a long time.”
In this context, the current head of Schalke’s licensing department also praised Robert Lewandowski from FC Bayern, who played with a captain’s armband in the colors of Ukraine. Sebastian Vettel also paid tribute to Asamoah. The Formula 1 star had canceled his participation in the Russian Grand Prix before the official cancellation. Asamoah also mentioned Schalke’s separation from Russian main sponsor Gazprom.
“I’m sure Putin is quite aware of that!”
“These are just a few of many examples that show how clearly and correctly sport reacted to the aggressive war in Eastern Europe at various levels,” wrote the 43-year-old. “Examples that signal that we’re not just going about the business of the day. I’m sure the big sports fan Putin will see that very clearly in Moscow!”
The statements of solidarity from all over the world could not “suddenly stop the invasion of Ukraine,” Asamoah clarified. “But it’s a sign. And maybe this sign can help to increase the pressure on the warmonger Putin.”