Famed Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko has quit football to start a career in politics with an independent party just months ahead of the October parliamentary elections.
Shevchenko has joined Ukraine Forward, formed this year by politicians expelled by the main opposition coalition, which used to be led by former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, the party said.
"Perhaps I will shock everyone. My future has nothing to do with soccer," Shevchenko said in a statement. "It is related to politics."
He did not make clear whether he plans to run for office.
Shevchenko, 35, started his career with Dinamo Kiev and then moved to AC Milan, where he became one of Ukraine's best-known players.
His next stint with Chelsea was less successful, and he started playing for Dinamo again in 2009.
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