Andriy Shevchenko turns down Ukraine manager role

Former Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko has turned down an offer to become his national side's new manager.

The 36-year-old retired after Euro 2012 and Ukraine's football federation (FFU) wanted him to succeed Oleg Blokhin, who has joined Dynamo Kiev.

"I believe that today leading the national team of Ukraine is a somewhat premature step for me," said ex-AC Milan and Chelsea forward Shevchenko.

"I hope the leadership of the football federation understand my decision."

Shevchenko, who had previously spoken of his desire to go into politics, is the top goal scorer in the country's history, scoring 56 goals in 111 appearances, and has also captained his country 56 times.

His decision leaves the FFU with the need to find an alternative to improve Ukraine's chances of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Ukraine are in the same World Cup qualifying group as England but, despite a 1-1 draw at Wembley, they face a battle to reach Brazil in 2014 following defeat to Montenegro and a draw with Moldova that left them second from bottom in Group H.

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Source: BBC