The Ukrainian football fairy tale was interrupted in the quarterfinals of the world championship: having squandered several super-moments, the main sensation of the tournament lost to the Italian team dry (0: 3). After parting with the championship, the captain of the Ukrainians Andriy Shevchenko made a very touching sight: the striker, who spent seven years in “Milan”, and this summer went to Chelsea, went to the sector of Italian fans who adored him, bowed and sent a kiss. With the question of such a beautiful gesture, Izvestia’s special correspondent, Yuri Dud, began post-match communication with Shevchenko.
Izvestia: A similar scene - a kind of farewell to Italian tiffozi, who can now see you personally only in European competitions?
Andriy Shevchenko: No, this is not goodbye. This is a tribute to the people who took me to themselves and with whom I spent a wonderful seven years. During this time I gave a lot to them, but at the same time I got a lot in return. A piece of Italy will forever remain inside me. I am upset that Ukraine lost in the quarterfinals. But I am glad that Italy goes further and can compete for the championship - it has good chances. It is for her that I will root in the remaining stages.
Izvestia: 0: 3 - is it not too big a score for the match, in the second half of which Ukraine looked very worthy?
Shevchenko: Yes, large. Those who watched the match have every reason to call its outcome unfair. We played in a very good style, but just did not use the moments that we had. Football consists of goals, and you cannot win without them, especially in a match with the Italian national team.
Izvestia: In this game, was luck smiling only for your rivals?
Shevchenko: Not without it. Although even more important was the quick goal that Italy scored. If they open an account, then their gates are closed, and breaking them is almost impossible. You yourself saw: we did everything to score, but Italy played very competently and even developed success ... Nevertheless, Ukraine won because it was among the eight strongest teams.
Izvestia: That is, you can be satisfied with the championship, even despite the blurry ending?
Shevchenko: Yes, I am satisfied. It was a great championship for Ukraine. Fans of all teams were able to make sure that a new team appeared in the world. She may not have experience, but she has a big heart. With it, we will go to success in the future. After the game with Italy, President Viktor Yushchenko thanked us, who flew to Germany specifically for this match. The leadership of the federation is also pretty.
Izvestia: After the holidays you will go to a new place of work, in Chelsea. Only this summer, the club bought two superstars - you and Ballack. What is the interest in playing in such a stellar team?
Shevchenko: Trophies do not win stars, but teams. To become a part of this team and lead it to victories is the main interest.