Called His Brother in the Military: Ukraine National Team Newcomer Shared His Reaction to the First Call-Up

midfielder Ivan Varfolomeyev from Lincoln City in the English Championship has for the first time joined the Ukraine national team. The player admitted that the decision of Andrea Maldera came as a complete surprise to him.

It turned out that initially a trip of the footballer to the U-21 national team was planned, but then the Italian coach decided that Ivan should become part of the main squad. The midfielder wanted to share the news with his relatives as soon as possible, says 24 Channel.

Varfolomeev – newcomer of Maldera.

According to Ivan Varfolomeyev, a week before the squad announcement the youth team coach Dmitro Mykhailychenko called him. The coach said that he counts on the player in the Euro qualifying matches.

However, then the midfielder saw himself in the main team's roster. He says it was truly unexpected, but it brought him immense joy.

First of all he called his parents and told them the news – they were very happy for me. Then he called his brother, who is in the military. I was very glad that he could answer the phone. This news really boosted his mood and combat spirit,

– said Varfolomeyev to the UAF press service.

On occasion Ivan thanked the Armed Forces for protecting Ukrainians and giving footballers the opportunity to represent our country on the international stage and remind the world about the war.

What is known about Ivan Varfolomeyev

The footballer was born in Crimea, raised in Simferopol's Tavriya, later joined the academy of Lviv's Karpaty. He made his professional debut for Rukh.

After the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he signed a contract with Czech club Slovan. He was forced to sue Rukh over an insistence on compensation from the Lviv club, but through the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne he proved that there were no violations in his actions.

Since 2025 he has been playing for Lincoln City, which initially competed in the English third division but has since been promoted to the Championship.