CHELSEA legend Andriy Shevchenko has been promoted to an aide to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, while his former Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich gets closer to warmonger Vladimir Putin.
The Ukrainian footballer previously said the relationship with his former Chelsea boss would “never be the same again” following Russia’s invasion into his home country.
In a written decree, Zelensky’s office said: “Andriy Shevchenko is appointed advisor to the President of Ukraine (out of state).”
No details have emerged about the nature of his role, but Shevchenko has been outspoken in support for his homeland as it continues to battle off the Russian invasion.
In May 2022, the Ukrainian footy legend was named an ambassador for Ukraine‘s UNITED25 fundraising platform, which has raised millions to aide in the rebuilding of Ukraine.
Since the invasion began, Shevchenko has focused on carrying out his patriotic duties as he looks for peace and helps his compatriots flee war-torn Ukraine.
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Abramovich, on the other hand, has been slapped with sanctions by the UK government due to his alleged ties with Putin.
Shevchenko and former boss Abramovich had a “long relationship” in the football world before the conflict between their home countries tore them apart.
Shevchenko formerly said: “I said from the beginning, I did not believe that this (war) could happen.
“Abramovich and I had a long relationship and I don’t think it will ever be the same. But I also know there are a lot of Russian people who want to stop the war.
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Only days ago, Russian State Media was banned from criticising billionaire Abramovich, who had taken part in “negotiations” bwteen Russia and Ukraine early in the war.
Independent media The Moscow Times indicated that Abramovich would not normally be beyond criticism from Russia’s anti-Western state media.
They said: “A year ago, he participated in negotiations that ended unsuccessfully for Russia.”
Abramovich is known to maintain solid relations with Putin despite obtaining Israeli citizenship and living mainly outside his homeland.
Soviet-born Abramovich is one of Russia’s richest men, and earlier served as a Putin-loyal governor for the far-flung Chukotka region.
The reason for the diktat on Abramovich are unknown, but the former footy boss has continued to live a lavish life even while under sanctions.
Other sports stars have become involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict: Arsenal star Oleg Luzhny returned to Ukraine to fight on the frontline.
Boxers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk and Vasiliy Lomachenko also enlisted to help the heroic defensive effort by Ukraine.
Recently retired tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky, who beat Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2013, has also enlisted aged 36.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
