Roma manager Jose Mourinho has added his voice to those calling for peace to be restored in Eastern Europe, with the Portuguese saying “stop every war” as part of a passionate plea to leaders around the world.
The former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United manager is among those to have been left watching on from afar as Russia have launched an invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.
Many families have been forced to flee the region, while others have become caught up in the escalating conflict, and Mourinho is among those hoping to see a sense of order return to all areas enduring political and humanitarian struggles.
What has been said?
Mourinho, who is preparing his Roma side for the second leg of a Europa Conference League last-16 encounter with Vitesse, has told reporters of events outside of his control: “I’ll be very objective and pragmatic.
“We need to stop [the war in Ukraine] and all the others. Stop it.
“If I have to repeat this every day I will do it. Stop the war.
“I won’t talk about politics. I’m very interested in politics, but I don’t talk in public about it.
“But I can say, I can shout every day, stop the war. Always. Stop every war.”
The bigger picture
FIFA and UEFA have taken decisive action against Russia by banning their teams – both international and domestic - from all global and continental competition.
Saint Petersburg, meanwhile, has been stripped of Champions League final hosting duties for 2022, with that contest now due to take place at Stade de France in Paris on May 28.
Governments across the globe have also started to clamp down on the interests of business persons hailing from Russia.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is among those to have faced sanctions, with his assets being frozen in the UK.