Ukrainian football legend Andriy Shevchenko gave a detailed interview for the English edition of the Daily Mail , in which he told how he learned that Russia had launched a full-scale war against Ukraine. He spoke about his relatives who are now in danger and about what the Ukrainian people are fighting for and will continue to fight for.
Shevchenko spoke with his longtime friend, ex-footballer Jamie Redknapp.
He first learned about the start of a full-scale war with the Russian Federation when his mother Lyubov phoned him from Kyiv.
– I was sleeping. They called me. It was my mom. She… She said: The war has begun. We could not believe that Russia would take this step and start a war. We were in shock, — recalls Shevchenko on the morning of February 24.
According to Andrei, his mother has already left Kyiv, but continues to remain on Ukrainian soil, refusing to leave her country. He added that she had health problems.
“You feel every bomb that hits the ground because the house is shaking. This is what war looks like now. That stage when the Russians surround the city and just bomb it. They don't stop. This is ruthless.
They do not give the Ukrainian people a chance for humanitarian corridors. My mom is there. Sister, too, as well as uncle, aunt, cousin. Some of my friends are on the front lines. They stand for our country, freedom, choice, pride. We defend, we fight. We should. We have no choice,” he said.
Shevchenko added that the position of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to continue the fight and stay in Kyiv was very important.
– He could leave. But he clearly said that he would stay and that we must defend our country. This united the Ukrainian people. He stayed with them, we won't give up. When you see people on the street walking unarmed to stop a tank, it's powerful. We will defend to the end. Russia is not welcome here.
The Daily Mail adds that Shevchenko offers asylum to refugees under the Home for Ukraine program, and also created his own charity page as part of a campaign called Play your partin which he wants to raise at least £2m for organizations such as Laureus Sport for Good, UNICEF and the United Nations World Food Programme. His wife, Kristen, is also actively involved in helping families move out of Ukraine.
– The world stands behind Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people – it's incredible. This means a lot to us. It is important for all remaining Ukrainians to know that they are not alone,” Shevchenko says.
Shevchenko stressed that the Russians only know propaganda, and an excellent confirmation of this is the pro-war rally at Luzhniki, which took place on the day the interview was recorded. It was reminiscent of the Nuremberg rallies of Adolf Hitler, Putin said that this was their “historical destiny”.
Photo: Getty Images/AFP
He also fully supported the suspension of Russian athletes from competition until the war stops.
– We must apply pressure. The President of Russia – I don't want to name this creature – said that this was “special operation”. This is not a special operation. This is the killing of the innocent. These are the people around. These are bombed cities.
Most football fans around the world have expressed their support for Ukraine. But some Chelsea fans have sullied the tribute to the Ukrainian people by singing instead the name of Roman Abramovich, — writes the Daily Mail.
– Chelsea's history cannot be undone. Chelsea fans will always stay with the club because they love it. I know this is a difficult moment. But I am also in a position where, given what is happening with my country, I want to call on everyone to play their part, the football specialist spoke on this matter.
Shevchenko added that now he wants only one is peace in your country and an end to the killing of innocent people and children.
