Andriy Shevchenko

In the new autobiography "My Life, My Football," legendary Ukrainian footballer Andriy Shevchenko reflects on the challenges he faced during his time at the London club, Chelsea. The forward, who was once among the most formidable strikers in the world, shares a candid account of his struggles, attributing his underperformance to physical issues rather than a lack of effort or commitment.

“I would like people to understand that my difficulties were related to physical problems. The fans received me well, but unfortunately, I just could not demonstrate my best. I was afraid that I might have to leave football. I felt sorry for the people and the club. I would have given the whole world to win back their affection for me. Instead, I was broken. I did everything I could and gave my all - that's my approach. But still, I understood that my engine was not working as it should.

The newspapers heavily criticized me, but only I knew what the matter was - that damned fatigue that just would not go away. Something went wrong during the hernia surgery. I did not return to my former form. I lost all my strength. I was at the peak of my form - it was the most inopportune moment for an injury. I was just a shadow of the player I used to be,” Shevchenko shared.

In this reflective piece, Shevchenko opens up about the immense pressure he felt to perform, the disappointment of not being able to live up to expectations, and the physical toll it took on his body. He highlights the harsh criticism from the media, and the isolation that came with being misunderstood and judged solely based on his on-field performance.

Shevchenko’s time at Chelsea was marked by high expectations following his impressive performances with AC Milan, where he had established himself as one of the best strikers in the world. The transfer to Chelsea, facilitated by then-owner Roman Abramovich, was supposed to be a new chapter in his illustrious career, but it quickly turned into a nightmare due to injuries and a lack of form.

Despite his struggles, Shevchenko's love for the game and determination to overcome his physical challenges shine through in his autobiography. He expresses gratitude towards the fans who supported him, and shows a deep understanding of the game’s demands, acknowledging that football is as much about overcoming physical challenges as it is about skill and talent.

Shevchenko's story serves as a powerful reminder of the human aspect of football, highlighting the unseen struggles that players often go through, and the resilience required to overcome them. His autobiography "My Life, My Football" is a candid look into the life of one of football's greatest strikers, and a testament to the strength and determination that defined his career.

Now, years after his retirement, Shevchenko remains an influential figure in football, having transitioned into a successful managerial career, and continues to inspire the next generation of players with his story of resilience, determination, and love for the game.