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Sheriff Tiraspol manager joins Ukraine Army just months after beating Real Madrid

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Moldovan football team Sheriff Tiraspol’s manager Yuriy Vernydub joined Ukraine’s army months after beating Real Madrid.

Moldovan football team Sheriff Tiraspol’s manager Yuriy Vernydub has joined Ukraine’s territorial army just five months after beating Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Vernydub has returned to his native Ukraine to link up with his fellow countrymen as they fight Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The 56-year-old was in charge of Sheriff when they beat Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Sebastien Thill scoring a thundering last-minute winner.

Sheriff finished third on the table and dropped down to Europa League, where they were ultimately knocked out by Braga on penalties.

Following their elimination, Vernydub returned to his country to fight on the front lines following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Club’s captain, Gustavo Dulanto reacted to Vernydub taking up arms, writing: “May God protect my Yuri, who has gone to Ukraine.”

Speaking last week, Vernydub said: “I have a wife, two children, two grandchildren, brothers and sisters, I wish them health and that this war does not touch them.

“When I arrive in Moldova, I will ask to go to my family, if they need my help I will always be there.”

He added: “I want to leave a few words of support for the people in Ukraine, who suffered an attack from Russia. I am proud of the people who are defending the country.”

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