Shevchenko on Italy missing the World Cup: ‘I’m sure they’ll adapt and find a way back’

“When I was a little kid, I was always dreaming about becoming a professional player and playing for Dynamo Kyiv. I had a chance to win the Champions League with them, but it didn’t come through. Then, finally, when I joined AC Milan, I had such a big chance to win the Champions League. And when that happened, I felt like my dream had come true. I also felt like I had written something important in the book of football.”

Shevchenko also spoke warmly about his friendship with former Milan teammate Rui Costa, now president of Benfica. “I’m very happy that Rui chose to stay involved in football. It was a great pleasure for me to share the pitch with him. Our relationship has continued.”

Now serving as president of the Ukrainian Association of Football, Shevchenko also addressed the ongoing situation in Ukraine. “When I talk to the players, I try to explain that we have to stick together. We have to help each other,” he said.

Shevchenko reserved special praise for the Ukrainian armed forces, acknowledging their sacrifices during the ongoing conflict. “Thank you for your service. It is the reason we are still playing football in Ukraine.”

The Portugal Football Summit is a programme organised by the Portuguese Football Federation that promises to bring together a number of leading figures from the world of football ahead of the second edition of the event, which will take place from 23 to 25 September at Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras.