Varfolomeev: For me, the call to the main team came as a complete surprise

The main midfielder of Lincoln City Ivan Varfolomeev, who plays in the Championship, received a debut call to the national team of Ukraine. Initially, the 22-year-old midfielder was supposed to join the youth team, but eventually received an invitation to the main team. "A week ago, the coach of the youth national team of Ukraine U-21, Dmytro Mykhaylenko, called me. He said that he was counting on me and that I would be called up to the youth team. But the other day I found out that I had already been called up to the main national team! To be honest, it was a complete surprise for me. I was incredibly happy. First of all, I called my parents and told them the news - they were very happy for me. Then I called my brother, who is in the military. I was so glad he was able to pick up the phone. This news really lifted his spirits and fighting spirit. I want to sincerely thank him and all our Armed Forces of Ukraine for protecting us and giving us the opportunity to be here, to represent Ukraine on the international stage and to remind the whole world of what is currently happening in our country," said Varfolomeev in a comment for UAF. In the current season, Varfolomeev played nine matches for Lincoln City, in which he scored one assist in the FA Cup against Derby County. In September and October, the national team of Ukraine will play four matches. Ukraine will play away against Hungary on September 25, Georgia on September 28, and Northern Ireland on October 2 in Trnava. Andrea Maldera's team will finish this series with a nominal home match against Hungary on October 5