Russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues. On Monday evening, Vladimir Putin officially recognized the independence of the separatist republics of Donetsk and Luhansk. Currently, there is information that the Russian army attacked military points throughout Ukraine.
Andriy Shevchenko with a clear declaration: Ukraine is my homeland
Many people from the sports world made gestures of support towards Ukrainians. Athletes from this country have decided to use them as well.
The most outstanding Ukrainian footballer in history has also made an appeal to his countrymen. “Ukraine is my homeland! I have always been proud of my countrymen and my country! We have gone through many difficult times, and over the last 30 years we have formed ourselves as a nation. A nation of sincere, hardworking and freedom-loving citizens! This is our most important asset! Today it is for us! all difficult times. But we must unite! In unity we will win! Glory to Ukraine “- wrote Shevchenko in social media.
These words indicate the seriousness of the situation, because in the past Shevchenko repeatedly made gestures that in his homeland were read as pro-Russian, and certainly not pro-Ukrainian.
In the presidential election in 2004, he publicly supported Viktor Yanukovych, a pro-Russian and anti-Western candidate whose policies led to the Maidan events in 2014, as well as the annexation of Crimea and actions in Donbas and Lugansk. Shevchenko’s friendship with the owner and Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich is also mentioned.
The fact that in 2016, when Shevchenko took over the Ukrainian national team, was also very badly received, he did not even know his mother tongue, just like his children. The legendary footballer only then declared that he would learn it. Although in Ukraine, Ukrainian is spoken by about 67 percent. out of 45 million citizens (mainly in the western and central part of the country), it was then that a wave of criticism fell on Shevchenko. After all, it was about the national team coach. In addition, while working in this position, he did not want to live in his home country, and would travel to the country from London or Barbados, where he stayed on a daily basis.
Therefore, Shevchenko did not present such an attitude as, for example, other outstanding athletes from this country, i.e. the Klitschko brothers. They never hid great patriotism and ties with their homeland. That is why his clear declaration: “Ukraine is my homeland!”, “We will win in unity” resonates so strongly.
Source: Sport
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
