Shevchenko bids adieu to International football

Ukrain's captain Andriy Shevchenko has decided to give a final adieu to the international football, following the elimination of his team from the group stages of the Euro 2012. 

The 35 year old striker played his 111th match for his country on Tuesday against England, which resulted in a loss 1-0. 

He has been the key player for his country for quite some time, and has captained the team into the Quarter finals of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. 

The winner of the Ballon d'Or in 2004, Shevchenko has scored 48 goals for his national side, the first of which was scored against Turkey in the year 1996. 

Shevchenko rose to prominence after winning five league championships in as many years at Dynamo Kiev. He was also in the squad of AC Milan that won the Champions league title in the year 2003, and scored the winning penalty for the team in the shootout. 

Later he joined Chelsea in 2006, but returned back to Milan on loan, after two unsuccessful seasons at the Stamford Bridge. He joined Kiev again in the year 2009. 

His contract with the current side Dynamo Kiev expires next month and his intention of moving to Major League Soccer in the United States is rumored. 

"It was my last official game for Ukraine" said the striker after the match against England. However, he confirmed a last farewell match as he said, "I just want to play one more game to say goodbye, just for my family and friends and all the fans who have supported me for many, many years." 

On being asked about their last game against England, he said, "We deserved more today, we played well, created chances and of course scored a goal." 

"We were in control and had many chances to score." Shevchenko added further. "I'm glad for our young players who played well tonight. This team has a bright future."