BERLIN, March 1 ― German football coach Markus Gisdol said today that he quit as head coach of Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow in protest over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

"Being a football coach is the best job in the world, but I can’t pursue my vocation in a country whose leader is responsible for a war of aggression in the middle of Europe,” Gisdol told German daily Bild.

"That’s not in line with my values.”

The 52-year-old took over im Moscow last October, but quit because "I can’t stand on the training ground in Moscow and a few kilometres away orders are given that bring great suffering to an entire nation.

"This is my personal decision and I am absolutely convinced of that.”

However, in a statement on the club’s website, Lokomotiv Moscow said Gisdol was "dismissed” with former Germany defender Marvin Compper replacing him as caretaker coach. ― AFP