I go to war, old Timbs battered boots
Hand grenade, some goggles, and a parachute
======
I get why he went over though. Has military training and experience, and becoming a mercenary is more appealing to him than living the life of a civilian.
Saw Rocky 4 again the other day. Ironically it featured a Russian villain. Apollo made a comment about the fight with Drago, and feeling useless as a retired fighter. He said "We're warriors. And without some challenge, some war to fight, then the warrior might as well be dead."