Ukraine legend Andriy Shevchenko confirms retirement from football

28/07/2012 7:18:00 PM

The former AC Milan forward has announced that he is hanging up his boots, and he intends to follow a career in politics rather than continue in the sporting world

Ukraine legend Andriy Shevchenko has announced his retirement from football, and will now pursue a career in politics.

The 35-year-old has opted to bring an end to his illustrious playing career following Euro 2012, with two tournament goals in the 2-1 win against Sweden the striker’s final memorable moment.

The news was released by former club Dinamo Kiev, as the veteran bows out of the sport.

"Perhaps, I will shock everyone: my future has nothing to do with football. It is related to politics,” he told the Ukrainian club’s official website.

Shevchenko will be remembered predominantly for his time at AC Milan, where he won one Scudetto, one Coppa Italia and one Champions League title with the Rossoneri over eight seasons - including one loan spell - where he netted 175 goals in 322 competitive games.

He had an ill-fated stint at Chelsea between 2006 and 2009, but still added FA Cup and League Cup triumphs to his medal collection, whilst he also won the Ukrainian Premier League five times.

Internationally the veteran striker represented his nation 111 times, scoring 48 goals. He won the Ballon d'Or in 2004.

Inside Goal.Com

Player Ratings: Siena 1-2 AC Milan
Goal was on hand to judge all the players as Allegri's men finished third in Serie A and secured a Champions League berth next season
Merrick's chance to prove his point at Phoenix
Bren O'Brien ponders Ernie Merrick's A-League return with the Wellington Phoenix and if we will see a change in the man to the one that led Melbourne Victory to two championships
Player Ratings: Barcelona 2-1 Valladolid
Goal rates the players on show as the newly-crowned Liga champions cruised past the challenge of Miroslav Djukic's men to keep up hopes of reaching 100 points
Arsenal hold their nerve in top-four battle
Arsene Wenger's side produced a clinical performance to secure a top-four Premier League finish but now they must kick on if they wish to challenge for honours next year
Who is the greatest Champions League striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel