Shevchenko comments on leading role in Italian 'A' league, family and future (08/15/04)

Shevchenko comments on leading role in Italian 'A' league, family and future

by Andrew Nynka

NEW YORK - Andriy Shevchenko, the Ukrainian international soccer sensation known for his deft scoring touch, added a pair of crucial goals to help lift his Italian club team, AC Milan, over two premier British clubs during the ChampionsWorld Series held throughout the United States.

Prior to Milan's first game against Manchester United on July 31, Shevchenko spoke exclusively with The Ukrainian Weekly about his role as a leading sniper in the Italian first division, the importance for him of playing for the Ukrainian national team, and his new role as a husband and expectant father.

Speaking at the Macy's here in Herald Square on July 30, Shevchenko confirmed his marriage to American model Kristen Pazik. The two met in Milan three years ago and expect the arrival of a son, whom they plan to name Jordan, in the next four months, Shevchenko said.

Milan teammates, executives and a host of their fans packed the Macy's store here to unveil the team's new jersey, which they will begin wearing this season. International media surrounded them, while loyal fans, some from as far away as Italy, came to catch a glimpse of their favorite players during the event.

Asked after the jersey unveiling about his performance this past year with Milan, Shevchenko said he was pleased but also noted that he plans to focus on his family. "If I get some personal acknowledgment, I'm happy, but what's better than expecting a baby in about four months?" he asked an Italian reporter recently.

Shevchenko said Milan was "a great place for a family," though he still intends to play with his Ukrainian national team. "It is a dream to be playing for Ukraine," he said. Playing for both his Milan team and the Ukrainian national squad are equally important, said Shevchenko, adding that his role as a leading player in one of the top European leagues was indicative of the future for Ukrainian soccer. He spoke with The Weekly in Ukrainian and English, but said he was much more comfortable now speaking Italian, which he said he's learned as a result of living in Milan.

The 28-year-old forward confirmed that he signed a three-year contract extension with his Italian club and will likely stay in Milan until 2009. Last year Shevchenko led the Italian first division, the Serie A, in scoring with 24 goals - his second title as the top Italian finisher. In New York, team executives told The Weekly he is a "fundamental" part of AC Milan and said his ability to score crucial last-minute goals is "critical" for the team's success.

"Undoubtedly the greatest in our club - but one player does not make the entire team," said Adriano Galliani, AC Milan's vice-president and chief executive officer. "But as a team player, Shevchenko is fundamental - a great scorer in key games," Galliani said. The Milan CEO also said that the prospect of Ukrainian players moving to top European clubs is imminent, though hampered somewhat by a lack of funds for Ukrainian clubs to properly develop talent.

Shevchenko, however, again proved his worth on a number of occasions during the ChampionsWorld Series, a set of 11 friendly matches at eight venues across the United States and Canada, involving clubs from England, Italy, Scotland, Portugal, Germany and Turkey.

A perfect 87th-minute free kick by Shevchenko, buried just inside the right post from 28 yards out, gave the Italian power a 3-2 victory over British side Chelsea at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on August 2.

On July 31, with Manchester United beating Milan 1-0, Shevchenko tied the game on a 90th-minute deflection at the top of the six-yard box. The Italian side went on to win the game in a penalty shootout, with Shevchenko converting on his side's first attempt. Milan took the game 9-8 in the shootout after Manchester goalkeeper Tim Howard, an American who grew up in New Jersey, hit the left post with his shot.

"This is a good moment for him," AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti said of Shevchenko. "But it is also a good sign for us, because it shows that we are good to the last minute," he said after the Manchester game.

The match against Manchester drew a crowd of 74,511 to Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., while the game in Philadelphia against Chelsea saw 39,123 fans in attendance.

Ancelotti, the Milan head coach, said after the Manchester match that he was satisfied with certain aspects of play but was looking for his players to improve. "We played well in the first half, especially in the first half-hour. Manchester, however, found more rhythm and took the game to us; it was important to stay in it right until the end. [Hernan] Crespo and Shevchenko pleased me in attack, obviously they can get better. Everyone must improve."

"I am very pleased that we won in New York, as last year we lost on penalties. We redeemed ourselves for the game against Juventus," Shevchenko said. "We definitely felt the hard work of the trip, also the heat, but Milan showed great character and we did well. ... We are not in top shape yet, we definitely have to improve, but I am quite satisfied with what we have done."

Shevchenko and his Milan teammates will now move on to prepare for the Italian Supercup against Lazio, which will be played in Milan on August 21, and the beginning of the Serie A season, which starts on September 12.

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