Andriy Shevchenko highlighted the exceptional response in Italy to the ongoing war in Ukraine and revealed that he’ll ‘announce a special initiative soon’.
The former Genoa and Ukraine coach has been very outspoken on the topic, regularly giving interviews to provide updates and calls for help regarding the Russian invasion of his native country. FIFA and UEFA have already responded to the war by suspending Russian teams from their competitions.
Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Shevchenko first discussed if he would leave for Ukraine and what he is doing to help his country.
“I’ve thought about it many times. But it’s impossible. They closed everything down immediately. The airports were bombed first. So I decided to defend my country as I can. By telling who we are, how much we are suffering.
“By helping the victims and the refugees. Italy’s response has been exceptional. Through GoFoundMe we have collected €343,764 for the Red Cross, trauma kits, medicines, food.”
The former Milan star then touched on some other help that he’s received in recent weeks.
“Other funds have been raised by the Milan Foundation, which has put on sale reproductions of the shirts we wore in Manchester when we won the Champions League in 2003.
“I got a call from my friend Giorgio Armani, who mobilised himself. I spoke to the mayor of Florence and the mayor of Milan. I hope to be able to announce a special initiative soon.”
Finally, Shevchenko noted how important Italy is to him and commented on the need to help Ukrainian refugees.
“Milan and Italy are my second home. Milan is a particularly generous city. I am sure that it will be able and willing to welcome many Ukrainians fleeing the war.
“Most of them will be children, women and elderly people, because men between 18 and 60 cannot leave the country.”
Serie A teams have been wearing shirts in support on Ukraine following the outbreak of war and a number of initiatives are currently underway to help those in need as a result of the invasion.
UCRAINA – Shevchenko: "Risposta eccezionale dell'Italia, vorrei tornare nel mio Paese ma è impossibile" https://t.co/wqO7kIoZK9
— Napoli Magazine (@napolimagazine) March 13, 2022