Ovechkin Explains Appearance in United Russia Ad

Alexander Ovechkin, the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, has explained his decision to appear in a campaign ad for Russia’s ruling United Russia party, which is backed by President Vladimir Putin.

Speaking at the Washington Capitals’ media day on Thursday, the star forward said he had been asked to take part in the video and agreed. Ovechkin, who appears behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in the ad, attributed his decision to his nationality.

“I’m Russian. I support my country”, he told reporters, adding that he had no reservations about taking part and reiterating that he stood for peace.

Ovechkin also indicated that he would probably stay in Russia after his hockey career ends. “I'm gonna live there, my kids gonna live there. I'm for peace and love and I hope everything's going to be okay”, he added.

(Reuters, max)