Pjanic apologises for supporting Russia boycott after Ukraine invasion as he signs for CSKA Moscow
Miralem Pjanic joined CSKA Moscow as a free agent earlier this week. The veteran playmaker has become the first star player to move to the Russian Premier League after the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Back in September 2022, the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team announced that they were going to play a friendly against Russia in November. Russia had already been suspended from all FIFA and UEFA competitions at that time.
Pjanic, who played for the UAE club Sharjah at that time, led the backlash against the Bosnian FA's decision to play the friendly. "The decision is not good. I am speechless," the former Roma, Juventus and Barcelona midfielder at that time.
"The whole world is suffering because of the conflict in Ukraine, why should we be the first country to play against Russia? This game would have a negative influence on the world. I refuse to participate in this match."
The friendly was then called off as other Bosnian players, such as Edin Dzeko, supported the boycott.
The 34-year-old has been reminded of his words upon joining CSKA. Pjanic has apologised for his 2022 words.
As quoted by the Russian opposition news outlet Meduza, the Bosnian said: "I have never said anything against Russia and Russian football. I am sorry if my speech offended someone, so I am ready to apologise. I hope the situation [with Russia being banned] will be solved as soon possible."
Russia is still destroying Ukrainian cities and killing civilians including kids with all the weapons imaginable. We strongly condemn Putin’s genocide and acts of terror against Ukraine.
