Roman Zozulya admits he is “really down and very worried” about his and his family’s safety as he prepares to make a decision on joining Rayo Vallecano.
Zozulya returned to Real Betis just hours after he joined Rayo on deadline day in January, with the latter’s left-wing fanbase immediately condemning the striker for his perceived links to far-right politics in his native Ukraine.
Nonetheless, the La Liga 2 side have left the door open for the 27-year-old, who has been given until Monday to respond, although rejecting them would render him ineligible to play for the rest of the season.
“I want to spend these next few days with my family and think over my decision,” he told Marca.
“I feel very affected and really down but above all very worried about my family and I.
“My desire is to play football. I’m a footballer and I’m passionate about my profession.
“I’m a parent and I’m really worried about my wife and kids.”
His representative Vladimir Kuzmenko added: “He’s not linked to any of what’s been said, he’s simply been active in humanitarian aid and lent his support to his country’s army. It’s nothing more than that.”
The striker’s interpreter Jose Lorenzo concluded: “If Roman was really what the Rayo fans say he is, neither the ambassador nor his country would support him. I’ve seen it in first person.”
