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Former Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, 37, is called up to fight in the Russian ARMED FORCES - just one week after Vladimir Putin announced a partial military mobilisation amid escalation of Ukraine conflict

Former Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has been called up to fight in Ukraine according to reports from Russian media.

Bilyaletdinov spent three years at Goodison Park after then-Toffees boss David Moyes brought him to the club for £9million in 2009.

After returning to his native Russia in 2012, the 37-year-old retired from football in 2019 following a short spell at Lithuanian club FK Riteriai.

The news comes following Russian President Vladimir Putin's partial mobilisation order amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.

As a result of the ruling, military-aged males who have previously served in the armed forces and have certain military specialties are liable to be drafted.