'I love it at Lincoln City but I worry about my family in Ukraine'

Ivan Varfolomeev, a 22-year-old midfielder, has recently signed with Lincoln City, the club's record signing, after a perilous journey from Ukraine. Born in Crimea but raised in Lviv, Ukraine, Varfolomeev left his home country in 2022 due to Russia's invasion. He had been playing for Slovan Liberec in the Czech Republic before joining Lincoln City in August last year. His move to England was a significant one, as he arrived with limited English skills and the pressure of being the club's most expensive signing at the time.

Since his arrival, Varfolomeev has been working on improving his English, thanks to the help of his teammates and English lessons. He now feels comfortable speaking with his teammates, coaches, and fans in English. Despite the challenges of being away from his family in Ukraine, Varfolomeev is grateful for the support England has provided to Ukraine during the crisis.

In his first year at Lincoln City, Varfolomeev played a crucial role in the Imps' title-winning season, leading them to promotion to the second tier of English football for the first time in 65 years. He expressed his appreciation for England, stating that the country had helped Ukraine a lot, and he is thankful for their support.

Varfolomeev's journey from Ukraine to Lincoln City has been inspiring for other players and young football talent in Ukraine. Andrew Todos, founder of Ukrainian football website Zorya Londonsk, believes Varfolomeev's story is an inspiration for future Ukrainian footballers. He highlights Varfolomeev's hard work ethic and dedication, both on and off the pitch, as a model for future Ukrainian talent.