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Dynamo Kiev striker Andriy Shevchenko hopes to end Ukraine career with Euro 2012 triumph
The 2004 World Player of the Year admits next summer's tournament will be his last on the international stage and that he dreams of a place in the final in front of the home crowd
1 Dec 2011 08:03:00
By Oliver Platt
Bongarts
Dynamo Kiev striker Andriy Shevchenko has revealed his "dream" of leading Ukraine to the Euro 2012 final in what he admits will be his last major tournament on the international stage.
Shevchenko, now 35, expressed his eagerness to bow out of the national team on a high in front of the Ukrainian fans as the country prepares to co-host the championship with Poland.
"I think for me it's the last tournament I will play," Shevchenko told CNN International World Sport in an interview with Pedro Pinto.
"I think here, at home, at full stadiums and with the anthem of Ukraine playing it will be something extremely special for me.
"It'll be a positive result for us to pass the group. And for me personally, I dream of the final."
The former Chelsea and AC Milan forward admitted he had felt nervous at the 2006 World Cup, where, as captain, he led Ukraine to the quarter-final stage, an experience he hoped would stand him in good stead next summer.
"I have such experience," he said. "It was my honour to be the captain of the team at the first match of the World Cup in Germany. I was very nervous.
"Of course, it's a great responsibility, everybody expects us to demonstrate good results."
Shevchenko has been troubled by frequent back problems in recent weeks, although he featured for over an hour in Ukraine's friendly with Germany and hopes to be fully fit for the finals and beyond.
"I am seeing a number of doctors from Germany and Ukraine, and they are helping me to extend my career and prepare for Euro 2012," he said.
"I'm 100 per cent sure this will be my last tournament as a player of the national team. My further career will depend on how I feel."
Concerns have been raised over potential accommodation and transport issues in Ukraine ahead of the tournament, and Shevchenko admits there is more that can be done.
"The country did its best to prepare well," he said.
"I think there will be much more done to welcome the players, but most important, the fans.
"From the depth of our hearts we want to show our beautiful country."
A Champions League winner with AC Milan and capped 105 times by his country, Shevchenko reflected fondly on an illustrious career that could soon draw to a close.
"I always had a dream to be a professional football player and when I was 14 I went to the San Siro for the first time," he said.
"I told myself that one day I would have to play there and it happened. I am very proud of my career, and what I have done."
| Bet: | Returns: | Turkey £25.00 | Draw £33.00 | Ukraine £25.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Turkey £25.00 | Draw £31.00 | Ukraine £25.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Turkey £26.00 | Draw £32.00 | Ukraine £26.00 |
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Shevchenko, now 35, expressed his eagerness to bow out of the national team on a high in front of the Ukrainian fans as the country prepares to co-host the championship with Poland.
"I think for me it's the last tournament I will play," Shevchenko told CNN International World Sport in an interview with Pedro Pinto.
"I think here, at home, at full stadiums and with the anthem of Ukraine playing it will be something extremely special for me.
"It'll be a positive result for us to pass the group. And for me personally, I dream of the final."
The former Chelsea and AC Milan forward admitted he had felt nervous at the 2006 World Cup, where, as captain, he led Ukraine to the quarter-final stage, an experience he hoped would stand him in good stead next summer.
"I have such experience," he said. "It was my honour to be the captain of the team at the first match of the World Cup in Germany. I was very nervous.
"Of course, it's a great responsibility, everybody expects us to demonstrate good results."
Shevchenko has been troubled by frequent back problems in recent weeks, although he featured for over an hour in Ukraine's friendly with Germany and hopes to be fully fit for the finals and beyond.
"I am seeing a number of doctors from Germany and Ukraine, and they are helping me to extend my career and prepare for Euro 2012," he said.
"I'm 100 per cent sure this will be my last tournament as a player of the national team. My further career will depend on how I feel."
Concerns have been raised over potential accommodation and transport issues in Ukraine ahead of the tournament, and Shevchenko admits there is more that can be done.
"The country did its best to prepare well," he said.
"I think there will be much more done to welcome the players, but most important, the fans.
"From the depth of our hearts we want to show our beautiful country."
A Champions League winner with AC Milan and capped 105 times by his country, Shevchenko reflected fondly on an illustrious career that could soon draw to a close.
"I always had a dream to be a professional football player and when I was 14 I went to the San Siro for the first time," he said.
"I told myself that one day I would have to play there and it happened. I am very proud of my career, and what I have done."
Visit our Euro 2012 microsite for all you need to know ahead of Friday's draw and beyond - team profiles, stadium guides, even which hotels are best to stay in!
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And here are some quotes from today's goalscorer, Danny Welbeck: "It's still the same, me and Ashley [Young] playing together.
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"So, it was really good to start up top with him."
"We know each other's games and obviously we're training with each other day in and day out.
"So, it was really good to start up top with him."
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