Andriy Shevchenko issues emotional message to AC Milan and Italy
AC Milan icon Andriy Shevchenko has backed both his former club and the Italian national team to recover from their ongoing transitional periods.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Author: Original: Anastasiya Fedorenko Derivative work: Danyele
Legendary former striker Andriy Shevchenko has shared his perspective on the current state of Italian football as it works to reclaim its global standing. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Ballon d'Or winner reaffirmed his deep, lifelong affection for the country and his former club.
"Milan is always in my heart, and I will always be their fan. And Italy is always in my heart too; it's my second home. I don't say it to please anyone, but because it's true," Shevchenko stated.
Don't complain too much; you will get through this moment. Appreciate your history and remember that you have so much talent within; you just need to change a few things, and you'll start again. You also have the right people to do it. Andriy Shevchenko
At the club level, AC Milan currently sits fifth in Serie A with 11 points from their first five games. Meanwhile, the Italian national team is undergoing a major generational overhaul directed by Roberto Mancini and technical director Claudio Ranieri. Following the departure of Gennaro Gattuso in April 2026, the management has been aggressively promoting young talent, including Michael Kayode, Honest Ahanor, and Samuele Inacio.
This strategy is intended to provide long-term stability for the four-time world champions. The Azzurri are set to test their new squad in the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Belgium, Turkey, and France, while Milan looks to maintain their position in the Serie A table with a trip to Sassuolo on October 11.