Kiev, Ukraine – Former AC Milan and Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko has announced his retirement, and said that he plans to pursue a career in politics.
The 35-year-old represented his native Ukraine at Euro 2012 this summer, and after announcing his retirement from the international game after the competition, he has now decided to step away all together.
"This will probably shock everyone," Shevchenko told the official website of his club, Dynamo Kiev.
"My future will no longer be in football. I will give more information but I will be going into politics.
"I hope for your support."
Shevchenko established himself as one of the top strikers in the world with AC Milan as he helped the club win the 2003 Champions League title and a Serie A crown the following season.
In two stints with the Rossoneri, Shevchenko tallied 175 goals in 322 appearances while also spending three seasons in England with Chelsea, where he failed to live up to expectations after a big-money move.
Dynamo Kiev is the club where Shevchenko started and has now ended his career, and he helped the side win five league titles during his time in Ukraine.
On the international level, Shevchenko tallied 48 goals in 111 matches to become his country's all-time leading scorer.
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