Ukraine war

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      Missiles landed near our training ground… if the Russians come everybody will forget football and fight to the end

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      JUST over a month ago, Maksym Bilyi’s biggest concern was how he and his Rukh Lviv team-mates would perform in the second half of the season.They had no hope of catching top two Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv but a successful mid-season break in Turkey had filled them with confidence of a solid, mid-table finish in Ukraine’s Premier League.
      Rukh Kviv owner Grigory Kozlovsky wanted his team to win the Champions League – now the focus is on staying aliveCredit: Chris Eades
      The Ukrainian Premier League team boast some of the best football facilities in the countryCredit: Chris Eades
      Now, centre-half Bilyi spends his time wondering not if but when he will be going to the front line in his country’s war with Russia.
      The shocking speed at which Ukraine has been devastated is perfectly illustrated by how the life of every person at one top club has been turned upside down.
      Rukh Lviv are an up-and-coming outfit who boast the newest training facilities in the country and the best, according to staff who proudly proclaim: “Better even than Shakhtar’s!”
      Driven by the wealth and ambition of a local millionaire businessman, Rukh were promoted to the top flight the season before last.
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      They are aiming to establish themselves as a top-tier force but owner Grigory Kozlovsky’s ambitions go even further.
      Along with landing the Champions League, his dream is that one day the entire starting line-up for a Ukrainian international will be products of the club’s new youth academy.
      But those dreams are for the future as for everyone from tea lady to owner cares only about the daily, bloody reality of war.
      Kozlovsky has evacuated his family, the press officer spends his days manning a village checkpoint and catering workers are feeding 700 refugees at the club’s stadium.
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      Some staff have joined army units and even players are contemplating signing up.
      Bilyi, 31, a top-flight player for 13 years including two seasons at Hajduk Split in Croatia, said: “No players from our club have gone to the front line yet. But we will.
      “If the Russian soldiers head this way we will take up arms.
      “Nobody is thinking about football anymore. Before we would think about it all the time and we would train a lot and always be thinking about the next match.
      “Football dominated our lives but now it doesn’t seem important anymore.
      “Before, we cared about winning matches, now we just care about being alive.
      “We went to Turkey for our mid-season break, which was good. We had good results and all the players were in excellent shape.
      “Fans were looking forward to the matches and staff were busy getting ready and selling tickets for the first game.
      “But, just before it was due, the war started.”
      ‘VERY SCARED’
      Team-mate, Bohdan Boychuk, was left in fear for his parents after they were trapped in Kherson, the first sizeable city to fall to invading troops.
      Kherson is now under Russian control as desperate locals face a daily battle for food.
      Boychuk, 25, says: “There is a real shortage. People can get just one item a day such as a loaf of bread.
      “They are very scared but at least the shooting has stopped and luckily I am still able to phone them. I call them every day.”
      When asked if he would be prepared to take up arms to defend his parents — and his country — should the need ever arise, Boychuk is as determined as his team-mate Bilyi. Without hesitation, he said: “Yes, of course.”
      Press officer Bogdan Tymovchuk, 37, used to spend his days coordinating media coverage for matchdays.
      He was also busy preparing for the grand opening of the training facilities — nine pitches and state-of-the-art gym facilities surrounded by commercial developments to boost revenue including a hotel and ski slope.
      A lavish ceremony planned for May has been scrapped, as have matchday press conferences.
      Instead, he is one of thousands who are manning village checkpoints which have sprung up all over the country in scenes reminiscent of World War Two.
      Tymovchuk said: “Our concern used to be if the players were fit and whether we would win three points. Now we worry about war.
      If the war comes to Lviv we will all fight, and that includes the playersGrigory Kozlovsky
      “Our Instagram account would be full of posts about the players. Now it is to organise volunteers to help refugees and the military.”
      Like the club’s owner, Tymovchuk sent his pregnant wife and their three-year-old son abroad out of harm’s way.
      He said: “I am pleased she is safe but I know she will be worrying because there may come a time when I will have to fight.”
      Kozlovsky — referred to as Mr President by club staff — occupies a top-floor office at the training facility with a balcony which overlooks the pitch where the first team would train in peacetime.
      Wearing a yellow training top which, in football tradition, bears his initials GK, he bursts out laughing when it is pointed out they also stand for goalkeeper.
      He is proud of his own career as a keeper although he never quite made it to the top level.
      It is a rare moment of levity as the conversation turns back to the war.
      He said: “If the war comes to Lviv we will all fight, and that includes the players.
      “Everyone will take hold of a gun. We will fight to the end. Putin will regret he ever invaded.”
      LVIV ATTACKED
      A couple of days after we spoke, war did indeed come to Lviv when four cruise missiles each carrying a 400kg conventional warhead slammed into the city’s airport just a few miles from the training ground.
      The frontline which would involve players taking up arms may not yet have reached the west of Ukraine, but Lviv still feels like a city at war.
      Downstairs in the deserted canteen, centre-half Bilyi talks with an admirable modesty that not all footballers are blessed with.
      He acknowledges how the hero worship of fans now counts for nothing and that he and his team-mates are no different to anyone else in a country of 44 million heroes.
      He said: “Footballers are heroes all over the world because they score goals and win matches. But that is no longer the case in Ukraine.
      “We are no longer the heroes. Soldiers are the heroes and the ordinary people helping refugees and volunteering for the military.
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      “We are just like everyone else. We are helping the refugees and we will pick up a gun if we have to.
      “We stand together with all our fans and everyone else in Ukraine. We are all the same.”
      The city of Lviv was attacked by Russian missiles as the war continuesCredit: AFP More

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      in Boxing

      Oleksandr Usyk CONFIRMS he has left Ukraine front line fighting Russian invasion to train for Anthony Joshua rematch

      by

      OLEKSANDR USYK confirmed he has left Ukraine to prepare for his rematch with Anthony Joshua.The Ukrainian had been set to clash with AJ again in the spring, before Russia’s invasion of his homeland KO’d initial plans.
      Oleksandr Usyk took to Instagram to update fans
      Usyk, 35, had returned to his homeland last monthCredit: AP
      Usyk, 35, returned to his country to fight on the front line, with Joshua’s future left up in the air.
      The likes of Otto Wallin and Joe Joyce were hoping for a bout with the former heavyweight champion in the meantime.
      But Usyk’s return to training means Joshua’s blockbuster revenge mission is back on.
      Usyk took to social media to confirm that he was returning to boxing, writing on Instagram: “I decided to start preparing for a rematch with Anthony Joshua.
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      “A large number of my friends support me, all the rest of the good and peace.
      “Thank God for everything🙏☦️🇺🇦”
      Expanding on his message in Ukrainian, Usyk said: “That’s how I will help my country more and it’s better than being in territorial defence and running around Kyiv with a machine gun.
      “Dear friends, many of my friends and close ones called me and supported me in this. Haters, I wish you well and wish you happiness, joy and peace.
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      Eddie Hearn wants to stage a rematch in the UKCredit: Reuters
      “Everything will be with God’s blessing. Everything will be Ukraine. Wishing everyone well.”
      Usyk’s team resumed talks with AJ’s camp over their rematch last week.
      Confirming that his client had left Ukraine, Usyk’s manager Yaroslav Lordkipanidze told AFP: “He went abroad to prepare for the rematch.”
      He added that his man had left the front line “several days ago” – but stopped short of confirming his current location.
      Usyk and Joshua are now likely to rematch in June, although the bout’s destination remains up in the air.
      Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that they have received offers from the Middle East and US to host the fight – but the Matchroom chief wants it to take place in the UK.
      We’d like to do it in the UK, but there have been a lot of big offers to stage it abroadEddie Hearn
      He said: “We’ve had four or five offers from around the world.
      “It’s effectively a split fight so they’re going to want to know the offers that are coming in to stage the fight.
      “We’d like to do it in the UK, but there have been a lot of big offers to stage it abroad.
      “We’ve had offers from the Middle East, a couple of countries in the Middle East, America, the UK, yeah.
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      “So I think we have to sit down with Alex [Krassyuk] and say these are the offers we’ve had and which one do we move forward with.
      “We want the fight to happen before the end of June, so probably middle-to-late June, the latest would be the first Saturday in July, July 2.” More

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      Sheffield Utd become first English side to sign player from Russia since start of war as Uremovic has contract suspended

      by

      SHEFFIELD UNITED have become the first English side to sign a foreign player from Russia amid the war in Ukraine.The Championship promotion-chasers have swooped for Croatian international defender Filip Uremovic.
      Sheffield United have signed Croatian international defender Filip UremovicCredit: Getty
      The star has had his contract with Russia club Rubin Kazan suspended amid the war in UkraineCredit: Getty
      The 25-year-old had played 21 matches this term for Rubin Kazan in Russias’ top-flight before the invasion of Ukraine started last month.
      Fifa announced that Russia-based players could suspend their contracts, initially until the end of the season, in order to let them leave the country.
      Therefore, Uremovic has subsequently arrived at Bramall Lane on a free on a deal until June.
      Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom said: “Filip is someone our recruitment team know all about.
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      “They’ve watched him since he played for Croatia Under-21s, but financially he’s always been out of the club’s reach.
      “Unfortunately, because of the terrible situation between Ukraine and Russia, players have had contracts suspended and after someone contacted me about him, we spoke and thankfully he sees this as a great place to come and play in the short-term.”
      Uremovic’s arrival will provide Heckingbottom with a huge boost ahead of the run-in.
      Sheff Utd are currently in the middle of a defensive crisis with Jack O’Connell, Chris Basham, Jayden Bogle, Enda Stevens and George Baldock all ruled out.
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      They have enjoyed a huge upturn in form over recent months after a dreadful start to life back in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League.
      The Blades are currently fifth, with a top six finish earning a play-off place, with just eight games left to play.
      Uremovic could make his debut at Stoke City on Saturday 2 April. More

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      in Soccer

      Scotland and Poland fans back Ukraine appeal as flags, scarves and posters fill Hampden

      by

      SCOTLAND and Poland fans have joined to make a sea of blue and yellow at the Ukraine fundraising friendly.The game tonight will help to support those from the war-hit country as they suffer from the Russian invasion.
      Flags and scarves covered Hampden
      One young fan’s message
      Proceeds from each ticket will be donated to UNICEF’s humanitarian response both in Ukraine and in addressing the subsequent refugee crisis.
      Millions of children and their families have been put in immediate danger, while neighbouring countries have supplied clean water, emergency supplies and a safe place to rest and play.
      And despite nothing riding on the game for either side, supporters have backed the appeal and packed out stadium.
      Scottish flags and Polish flags were scattered across the stadium, with Ukraine flags also commonplace.
      Ukrainian flag at Scotland vs Poland
      Robert Lewandowski warms up in Unicef t-shirt
      One Polish fan’s message
      One fan with the three flags
      Several of the flags had ‘Stop the War’ written on them.
      Scarves were sold outside the ground reading: “Supporting Ukraine”, while both countries warmed up in Unicef branded t-shirts.
      On the park, Scotland were denied their seventh straight win with a late, late controversial penalty.
      But the last gasp drama still shouldn’t distract from another impressive performance from the men in dark blue.
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      Craig Gordon was ruled to have brought down Krzysztof Piatek in the third minute of stoppage time with the diving Hertha Berlin striker picking himself to score from the spot with virtually the last kick of the ball.
      This should have been a night when Kieran Tierney’s 68th minute header was the winner.
      Yet it wasn’t to be.
      Another Ukraine flag
      The corner flags in Ukrainian colours
      Let’s hope this friendly disappointment isn’t replicated when it really matters because there was more than enough in this display to be positive about.
      It really couldn’t have been a friendlier friendly.
      The atmosphere inside Hampden was terrific as two nations came together for the benefit of another.
      The Tartan Army turned out in force with Poland also backed by an impressive following.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘It will never be the same’ – Emotional ex-Chelsea and Ukraine star Shevchenko on Roman Abramovich relationship

      by

      UKRAINE icon Andriy Shevchenko admitted his relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will never be the same again.Shevchenko was among the first group of stars Abramovich signed for the Blues in 2006, three years after the Russian oligarch took over the club.
      Andriy Shevchenko admits his relationship with Roman Abramovich won’t be the sameCredit: Rex
      But now the AC Milan legend is entirely focused on carrying out his patriotic duties as he looks for peace and helps his compatriots flee war-torn Ukraine following Russia’s unjust invasion.
      Abramovich, on the other hand, has been slapped with sanctions by the UK government due to his alleged ties with controversial Russian president Vladimir Putin and is desperately trying to sell the club.
      The 45-year-old former striker, who led Ukraine to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 only last summer, admits he had a “long relationship” with the departing Chelsea supremo, but suggested they will no longer be close.
      Shevcnehko told the Daily Mail: “I said from the beginning, I did not believe that this could happen.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’NO EXCUSE’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Half-full Wembley for Chelsea’s FA Cup semi slammed as ‘ridiculous’ by Tory MP
      “We 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.”
      Shevchenko is among a number of influential Ukrainians joining the war effort to defend their country.
      This comes after boxing stars Oleksandr Usyk and Wladimir Klitschko bravely enlisted in the army to fight off the Russian invaders.
      The former Chelsea ace understandably doesn’t pay much attention to football these days but insists the West Londoners’ history “cannot be cancelled”.
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      Shevchenko added: “The history which Chelsea built cannot be cancelled.
      “The Chelsea fans will always stay behind the club because they love the club. I know it’s a difficult moment.
      “But I am also in a position where, with what is happening to my country, I want to appeal to everyone to play your part. Remember what is most important.
      “I want only one thing: to bring the peace in my country, to stop the killing of innocent people, to stop the killing of kids. We all know war is cruel. But we cannot stand for that.”
      Roman Abramovich is desperately trying to sell Chelsea after being slapped with sanctionsCredit: Rex More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Heartbroken West Ham star Andriy Yarmolenko says he cannot focus on football as he faces up to horrors of war in Ukraine

      by

      HEARTBROKEN Andriy Yarmolenko admits he cannot focus on football as he faces up to the horrors of the war in Ukraine.The   West   Ham ace has started playing again after being given compassionate leave as he desperately tried to keep his family and friends safe from danger.
      Andriy Yarmolenko has said he cannot focus on football while Ukraine is still at warCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Ukraine legend Yarmolenko, 32, was given compassionate leave by the HammersCredit: INSTAGRAM
      But in a harrowing interview, the frightened Ukrainian forward, 32, accused Vladimir Putin’s Russian regime of “pure genocide”.
      Some of his family are hiding in bomb shelters in his hometown city of Chernihiv under fierce attack from relentless Russian shelling.
      Yarmolenko could not eat or sleep as he battled to find out if his friends and family were safe.
       He broke down in tears after sending his wife and child to Kyiv just ONE DAY before Russia’s shock invasion.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FAMILY FIRST .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Relieved Yarmolenko to collect family in Poland after they escaped Ukraine war
      The West Ham man has also called on the British Government to stop Ukrainians being killed.
      And he wants footballers to offer shelter, medicine and money for the victims.
      Yarmolenko declared: “It’s hard to talk about football, to think about football.
      “When I train, when I play, I don’t know how it happens.
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      “In the first week of the war I didn’t sleep, didn’t eat, was constantly on the phone to all my relatives.
      “I was just going crazy. Even now I don’t know the football results or who has played.”
      Russia have been bombing key cities in Ukraine for a month now after launching their invasion on February 24.
      And in an interview on Ukrainian TV, Yarmolenko added: “This is pure genocide, they’re just destroying Ukrainian people.
      “Shooting at civilians, at children, at women, how is this possible? This is just horror.
      “I don’t know how to find the words.
      “I have seen Russian people holding a concert, how do these people treat it normally? I am not saying all people in Russia are bad.
      “I know many people who know what is happening, I know how they react to it.
      “But it is clear people are being killed.”
      Yarmolenko has urged Ukrainians to ‘build together and help each other’Credit: GETTY
      The UK has shown its support for Ukraine  with tough economic sanctions against Russia and the Government has launched a scheme to offer shelter to thousands of refugees who are fleeing their homeland.
      Yarmolenko added: “The British support the Ukrainian people as much as possible.
      “Maybe they’ll be able to influence their Government so they just close the sky over Ukraine, they can stop people dying. This is what we want.
      “Some Ukrainian players have taken up arms, some help with finances, some shelter people who have lost their homes and some help with medicines.
      “This is how we should help. Not all people can fight. Not everyone can shoot a weapon.
      “That’s why I am trying to help my home town. After the first bombings I contacted the mayor and asked what was needed for the military.
      “Many children will be left without parents, many families will be left without homes. We all have to help each other.”
      Yarmolenko is also grateful to West Ham fans, some who fly Ukraine flags at games.
      He said: “They are trying to support us in every possible way.”  More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal hero Oleg Luzhny says it was an ‘easy decision’ to join Ukraine frontline in war with invading Russian army

      by

      OLEG LUZHNY has admitted it was an ‘easy decision’ to return to his native Ukraine to assist on the front line.The former Arsenal ace decided to head to Kyiv after Russia’s invasion in order to assist efforts to fight back against Vladimir Putin’s men.
      Former Arsenal ace Oleg Luzhny spoke to Sky SportsCredit: Sky Sports News
      Luzhny, 53, has been separated from his kids as he fights for his country’s future – but he insists it wasn’t a difficult decision to go back and help.
      He told Sky Sports: “The situation now in Ukraine is very, very tough, because of our Russian neighbour.
      “Everyone is surprised about this situation. And the situation is very dangerous.
      “The Russians have destroyed a lot of houses, road, business centres. Sometimes the missiles are coming two or three times during the days, and at night as well. It is very very dangerous.
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      “It was an easy decision to come back here. I love this country. I want to fight with my friends to defend my country, against the Russian army.
      “Everyone has to fight. You have to fight for your country. It was an easy decision.
      “We have groups of five or six people, and some policemen. And we have a special area we walk around for 12 hours, every two or three days.
      “It’s hard of course. It’s difficult, but I am okay. There has been a lot of damage to our country. Here in Kyiv it’s okay, not too much. But in the country, in Mariupol, it is much harder.
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      “My wife stays here with me and my children stay away. They have their own jobs. All my friends are staying to fight. No one is leaving.
      “I don’t know when I will see my family again. When this war ends, after we win and we have one big party. I don’t know if we will have peace soon. The situation is not under control. We don’t know what Putin has in his brain.
      “We don’t panic. We are strong inside. We have a good spirit inside. Our soldiers are fantastic. They are not scared of the Russians.
      “The Russians are scared of us now. Because they are going back home now. We have good positive feelings.”
      ‘THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT’
      Luzhny’s old club Arsenal showed their support for the Ukrainian at the recent 2-0 win over Leicester, having his shirt up in the dressing room and including his name on their squad list in the matchday programme.
      On his old club’s gesture, he added: “I listen about this and I started to prepare for the game. It was a nice surprise for me.
      “I want to say thank you to Arsenal, the club and the players, from me and my country, thank you for your support.
      “They help us by supporting us. I would like to thank all the British people and the UK Government for all the help for us.”
      Oleg Luzhny’s shirt was recently hung in Arsenal’s dressing roomCredit: Getty
      Luzhny’s name was also listed in the matchday programmeCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      ‘It will never be the same’ – Emotional ex-Chelsea and Ukraine star Shevchenko opens up on Roman Abramovich relationship

      by

      UKRAINE legend Andriy Shevchenko admitted his relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will never be the same again.Shevchenko was among the first group of stars Abramovich signed for the Blues in 2006, three years after the Russian oligarch took over the club.
      Andriy Shevchenko admits his relationship with Roman Abramovich won’t be the sameCredit: Rex
      But now the AC Milan legend is entirely focused on carrying out his patriotic duties as he looks for peace and helps his compatriots flee war-torn Ukraine following Russia’s unjust invasion.
      Abramovich, on the other hand, has been slapped with sanctions by the UK government due to his alleged ties with controversial Russian president Vladimir Putin and is desperately trying to sell the club.
      The 45-year-old former striker, who led Ukraine to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 only last summer, admits he had a “long relationship” with the departing Chelsea supremo, but suggested they will no longer be close.
      Shevcnehko told the Daily Mail: “I said from the beginning, I did not believe that this could happen.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’NO EXCUSE’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Half-full Wembley for Chelsea’s FA Cup semi slammed as ‘ridiculous’ by Tory MP
      “We 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.”
      Shevchenko is among a number of influential Ukrainians joining the war effort to defend their country.
      This comes after boxing stars Oleksandr Usyk and Wladimir Klitschko bravely enlisted in the army to fight off the Russian invaders.
      The former Chelsea ace understandably doesn’t pay much attention to football these days but insists the West Londoners’ history “cannot be cancelled”.
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      Shevchenko added: “The history which Chelsea built cannot be cancelled.
      “The Chelsea fans will always stay behind the club because they love the club. I know it’s a difficult moment.
      “But I am also in a position where, with what is happening to my country, I want to appeal to everyone to play your part. Remember what is most important.
      “I want only one thing: to bring the peace in my country, to stop the killing of innocent people, to stop the killing of kids. We all know war is cruel. But we cannot stand for that.”
      Roman Abramovich is desperately trying to sell Chelsea after being slapped with sanctionsCredit: Rex More