Shevchenko: "My mother and sister are still in Ukraine"

Milan legend and former Genoa coach Andriy Shevchenko calls for an end to the war in Ukraine and explains why his mother and sister are refusing to leave. ‘We want freedom, to defend our homes.’

The 45-year-old spent eight years as a player at Milan, then returned to Serie A as a coach with Genoa from November 2021 to January 2022.

He read out a video message played at San Siro before the Coppa Italia semi-final between Milan and Inter last night.

Now he has spoken live on Sky Sports UK, admitting he is torn between wanting to return home and join the battle and realising he can do more good by raising awareness and funds in London.

“I’m so proud to be Ukrainian. It’s a very difficult moment for my country, my people, my family,” said Shevchenko.

“My mum and sister are in Kyiv at the moment, and terrible things have happened there. People dying, children dying, missiles pointing into our houses.

“We need to stop this war, we need to find a way to stop the war.”

Shevchenko confirmed he had tried many times to convince his family to evacuate after Russia invaded, but they refused.

“My mum and sister, like most of the Ukrainian people, are refusing to leave, they’re staying put to fight, for our freedom, for our soul.

“We’re a united people, and at this moment a country united. There’s a lot of help around; families try to share food with the soldiers, to help the troops.

“It’s one of the more difficult moments in the history of Ukraine, but people are really united, because we want freedom, and to defend our homes.

“We have refugees, we need humanitarian aid. We need medical support, food support. It feels like I can do a lot here, and I will do.”