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KOMPAS.com – The living legend of Ukrainian football, Andriy Shevchenko, said the war raging in the country of his birth made the former great striker no longer think about football or any sport.
Andriy Shevchenko said this in an emotional interview on the Sky Sports television station on Thursday (3/3/2022) early morning WIB.
According to the former Dynamo Kyiv, AC Milan and Chelsea bomber, his thoughts are now purely on helping compatriots who are suffering from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“Football means nothing to me anymore,” said Shevchenko.
“I don’t think about that anymore. Now is not the time for that. I don’t even watch football or any sport anymore.”
“All my concentration, since I woke up, is how to help my country. What can I do.”
Also read: Premier League Solidarity Message to Ukraine: Football Stands Together
He then said his energy was devoted not only to helping his compatriots but also his family who chose to settle in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev.
“I started the day by calling my parents, my friends, asking for updates on what is happening in Ukraine,” the 2003 Champions League winner continued.
“For me, this is my field now, this is my concentration now.”
Sheva couldn’t even talk about the situation at Chelsea, one of her former clubs.
The Blues will be left by Roman Abramovich who decided he was ready to sell the club as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Abramovich’s name is on a list of oligarchs who are said to be close to Russian President Vladimir Putin and are facing financial bans from Western countries.
Read also: Andriy Shevchenko: My Family in Kiev, They Refuse to Refuge …
“I can’t even concentrate, I just watch the news. I can’t watch football,” he said.
“I’m not in a position to talk about Chelsea. I’m here to talk about my country, what’s happening in my country.”
Shevchenko then asked for help from the whole world to contribute and help his country which is in turmoil.
“I want to ask the whole world for help,” said Sheva. “Please make a donation. We need medical supplies, we need food, we need whatever support we can.”
“Please help us.”
“We as citizens of Ukraine also need the support of the whole world,” he continued.
“We really need that, we need all countries not to stop talking about this.”
“Everyone in Ukraine hears you. They feel your support.”
“For me, it’s important to hear this support from all of you.”
Shevchenko’s family refuses to flee
At the same event, Shevchenko also said several members of his family, including his mother and sister, Yelena, refused to leave the capital Kiev despite the city being besieged by Russian forces.
“I try to talk every hour, every 20 minutes with my family,” said Shevchenko again.
“A lot of things are happening right now. Kharkiv is being attacked by missiles, Kiev is being attacked, many cities in Ukraine are the same.”
“My mother and sister, like most Ukrainians refuse to leave. They will remain there to fight for our independence, for our souls and lives,” said the coach who led Ukraine to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.
“I have tried to convince them to leave many times. I have spoken to them but the answer is no. They want to stay there. This is the Ukrainian spirit.”
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