Ukraine appoints former star Andriy Shevchenko as manager
Your teams on the go or at home. Personalize SI with our new App. Install on iOS or Android.
The Ukraine national team has named former striker Andriy Shevchenko as its new manager.
Shevchenko, 39, retired with 111 career caps for the national team, scoring 48 goals. He replaces Mykhaylo Fomenko, who managed the team for four years leading up to Ukraine’s elimination in the Euro 2016 group stage, then resigned.
Shevchenko was Fomenko’s assistant during the tournament and has a new two-year deal to take over and manage the national team. This is his first managerial job.
During his playing days, Shevchenko starred for AC Milan and Chelsea at the club level and was Ukraine’s captain, notably during their run to the 2006 World Cup. He won the 2004 Ballon d’Or award, and retired as a player in 2012 after a decorated career. He previously turned down the chance to take over as Ukraine manager following his retirement, according to Sky Sports.
Ukraine opens 2018 World Cup qualification Sept. 5 against Iceland. Croatia, Turkey, Finland and Kosovo round out the group.
