Ukraine's legend Shevchenko becomes assistant coach of national team

Retired Ukrainian sports star Andriy Shevchenko on Tuesday was officially unveiled as an assistant coach of the country's national football team.

The 39-year-old former striker will join the national team to assist in preparations for the 2016 European Championships, said in the statement on the Ukrainian Football Federation website.

While commenting on his appointment, Shevchenko, who in 2012 has rejected the offer to become the head coach of the national team due to a lack of experience, said that he used the past four years to prepare for joining the team's coaching staff.

"I have obtained the needed licenses and received a proper education," Shevchenko told reporters.

Shevchenko, who was named the best player in Europe in 2004, began the career with Dynamo Kiev, making his debut in 1994.

In 1999, he joined AC Milan, where he played for seven years, scoring 175 goals in 322 games, thus becoming one of the most prominent strikers of the Italy's club.

In May 2006, Shevchenko signed a four-year contract with Chelsea, but his career in the London-based club was less successful and in 2009 the Ukrainian striker returned to Dynamo Kiev.

For Ukraine's national team, Shevchenko netted 48 goals in 111 appearances, becoming the all-time top scorer.

In 2012, Shevchenko announced his retirement from football. Endit