Russia captain Artem Dzyuba breaks his silence to condemn war, accuses West of 'double standards'

Former Russia national team captain Artem Dzyuba made the headlines earlier this week after several Ukraine football stars condemned him for not speaking out against the invasion of their home country.

The Zenit Saint Petersburg striker responded by saying that 'all they can do it talk', referring to the likes of Vitaliy Mykolenko and Andriy Yarmolenko.

And now, Dzyuba has expanded on the subject with a lengthy Instagram post, finally condemning war but accusing others of double standards.

The 33-year-old wrote: "Until recently, I didn't want to speak on the topic of Ukraine. Not because I'm afraid, but because I'm not an expert in politics unlike a large number of political scientists who have recently appeared on the Internet). But like everyone else, I have my own opinion.

"Since I'm being drawn to this topic, I will express it. I am against any war. War is scary. But I am also against human aggression and hatred, which every day acquires some transcendent proportions. I am against discrimination based on nationality. I'm not ashamed that I'm Russian. I am proud to be Russian.

"And I don't understand why athletes should suffer now. I am against double standards. Why one [country] can do everything, but all the dogs are hanged on us. Why is everyone always shouting about sports outside of politics, but at the first opportunity, when it comes to Russia, this principle is forgotten?

"Again, war is scary. In stressful situations, people show their [true] essence, sometimes negative. How much anger, dirt and bile has now poured out on all Russian people, regardless of their position and profession? Those thousands of people who write insults and threats — get in line!

"All this only creates more negativity. The war will end, but human relations will remain. And it will be impossible to rewind. Remember this. And to some colleagues who sit on their ass in mansions in England and say nasty things: this cannot offend us, we understand everything! Peace and goodness to all!"