In tears, Ukrainian football legend Andriy Shevchenko asked for help for Ukrainian refugees on Italian television.
“When I came to Italy, Italy opened my heart,” said the former AC Milan striker on a talk show on broadcaster Rai. “I beg you, Italians, open your hearts to my people, help the women, children and elderly who need your help so much right now.”
The 45-year-old was connected from his home in London and said his mother, sister and relatives are still in Ukraine. They reported on the bombing raids. “I’m very worried,” said the Ukrainian, who worked as a coach at the Italian first division club CFC Genoa until January.
Shevchenko called for bringing the parties to the table to silence the guns and find a solution to stop the war. Sometimes he thinks it’s all a bad dream, the ex-national player continued. “But then I realize, no, that’s the reality.”
According to Shevchenko, he is in contact with the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj and boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko. “We defend our rights, our country, our freedom. That was a decision of the Ukrainian people. We want to become part of Europe,” Shevchenko continued.