When talking about elite strikers, particularly those who made history in Milan, very few can match Andriy Shevchenko, and almost none can claim to have outshone him. The Ukrainian forward wasn’t just prolific — he elevated an already powerful side to another level.
During his seven seasons with AC Milan, he scored 127 goals in just over 200 appearances, helping the Rossoneri secure a Champions League title, a Serie A crown, and numerous individual honors. The pinnacle of his career came in 2004, when he was awarded the Ballon d’Or, cementing his legacy among the game’s greats.
Shevchenko reflects on his career
Shevchenko revealed that even during his time at FC Dynamo Kyiv, he had been told that a move to Milan would be essential if he ever hoped to win the Golden Ball. Speaking to Prime Video, he explained that despite the challenges football faces in Ukraine, the sport remains a source of hope for young generations. The hardships brought by years of war, he added, taught him that nothing is truly impossible.
In a longer conversation with Luca Toni, he admitted that by 2008 he felt he was only half the player he once had been. Although Luciano Spalletti had invited him to join Roma, Shevchenko said that returning to Italy could only mean one thing for him: Milan.
Turning down Real Madrid
Shevchenko also disclosed that Real Madrid pursued him in 2002 and 2003. However, he reassured then-president Silvio Berlusconi that he still had unfinished business in Milan. His ambition was to win and give everything for the club.
Eventually, he accepted a new challenge by moving to Chelsea FC, at a time when English football was rapidly rising in global prominence. He fondly recalled watching Milan play Roma surrounded by supporters who sang his name and begged him to stay — a moment that moved him to tears. Despite the emotional farewell and Milan’s Champions League triumph the following year, he insists he has no regrets, knowing he gave his all to the club.
The decisive penalty against Juventus
Reflecting on the famous shootout against Juventus FC, Shevchenko described how he carefully studied the goalkeeper beforehand. As he walked toward the spot, he repeatedly told himself not to change his mind about where to place the ball. For a brief moment, he didn’t even hear the referee’s whistle and kept glancing back and forth.
After scoring and returning to the dressing room, exhaustion hit him. He felt completely drained — as if he had left every ounce of energy on the pitch.
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