Oviri Kelvin, Sports Editor, Abuja
Andriy Shevchenko says his family are reluctant to leave Kyiv and committed to the course of defending the sovereignty of Ukraine against Russia.
The former AC Milan and Chelsea player made this statement recently to appeal for a ceasefire noting that the war has claimed lives of innocent citizens and destroyed Ukrainian homes.
According to the former head coach of the Ukraine national football team, his family is adamant to leave Kyiv despite the horrible situation in Ukraine.
Shevchenko who resides in the UK opined that he will reach out to foundations to fashion a way to send aids to help ameliorate the sufferings of the people of Ukraine.
His statement to Reuters reads: “I talk to my parents, I talk to my mother and say I want to go back, but my feeling is here now, to talk about what’s going on, the real tragedy the Ukrainian people are facing at the moment.
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“My thought is to try to get people to understand the situation, the human side of the situation we are facing. I’ve tried to talk to the foundation, raise the money, and help the Ukrainian society there.
“I’m so proud to be Ukrainian. It’s a very difficult moment for my country, my people, my family. 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,” he said.
Shevchenko appealed to both countries to terminate the aggressive war and also called for humanitarian, food, and medical supports to assist the refugees of war.
“We need to stop this war, we need to find a way to stop the war. 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,” he said.
However, Shevchenko praised FIFA and UEFA for taking bold steps to sanction Russia’s national team and football clubs from participating in World and European football events.
“It’s a great reaction from the institutions like UEFA and FIFA to make the right decision,” he added.
