Arsenal have confirmed that Oleksandr Zinchenko will captain the Gunners for their trip to Leicester on Saturday afternoon "as a mark of respect" on the first anniversary of Russian's invasion of Ukraine.
A statement released by the club shortly before kick-off reads: "Alex Zinchenko is our captain today, as a mark of respect and love on the first anniversary of the conflict in Ukraine." The left-back has represented Ukraine on more than 50 occasions and has been very vocal in his opposition to the war in his home country over the last 12 months.
Despite only joining the Gunners this summer, Zinchenko will don the armband for Arsenal so soon into his time with the club as part of the touching gesture.
Speaking in the summer of last year before Ukraine's delayed World Cup play-off against Scotland, Zinchenko broke down in tears while discussing the impact the invasion has had back home.
"Every Ukrainian wants one thing – to stop this war," he explained. "I have spoken with people from all around the world, from different countries.
"I have also spoken to some Ukrainian kids who just don't understand what's happening back in Ukraine. They only want the war to stop. They have one dream, to stop the war.
"When it comes to football, the Ukrainian team have their own dream. We want to go to the World Cup, we want to give this incredible emotion to the Ukrainians because Ukrainians deserve it so very much at this moment."