'It was so emotional': Ukraine star Andriy Yarmolenko moved to tears after scoring for West Ham

By Matias Grez, CNN

Updated 0953 GMT (1753 HKT) March 14, 2022

Andriy Yarmolenko was moved to tears after scoring for West Ham.

(CNN)Andriy Yarmolenko sank to his knees and buried his face in his hands, overcome with emotion after scoring the opening goal in West Ham's 2-1 Premier League win over Aston Villa.

The Ukraine forward hadn't featured for the Hammers for more than a month and told Sky Sports after the game that it was «impossible» to even train with the team in the days after Russia began its invasion of his home country.«I was just thinking about my family and my people,» Yarmolenko told Sky. «I just tried to give everything on the pitch.»Roman Yaremchuk: Ukraine and Benfica star tears up after receiving standing ovationPablo Fornals went on to secure the three points with a goal inside the final 10 minutes, before Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey fired in a consolation goal in stoppage time.Yarmolenko's opener was one of sheer quality, controlling a drilled pass with his right foot, before spinning on the spot and finding the bottom corner with his left.Read MoreThe 32-year-old, who was greeted with applause from both sets of supporters when he came on as a substitute in the second half, thanked West Ham fans for their support over the past few weeks.READ: Death and destruction in Ukraine overshadows Roman Abramovich's legacy at ChelseaA number of Ukraine flags were visible in the stands during the game, while West Ham memorabilia in Ukrainian colors was being sold outside the stadium before the match.«It was so emotional for me because of the situation in my country,» Yarmolenko told Sky. «It's so difficult for me right now in this moment thinking about football because, every day, the Russian army is killing