Robert Lewandowski extends a heartfelt gesture to the ailing country of Ukraine by wearing a special gift. The winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2004, Andriy Shevchenko, brought the symbol of his motherland — the captain’s armband in the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
Lewandowski promised to take the gift to the World Championship in Qatar, where Poland will face Argentina, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico in Group C.
Robert Lewandowski Extends Heartfelt Gesture
The Polish striker said- “Thank you, Andriy. It was a pleasure to meet you! It will be an honor for me to carry this captain’s armband in the colors of Ukraine to the World Cup.”
Schevchenko, the former head of the Ukrainian national team, was also very excited about the meeting. He said- “For me, the captain’s armband is a symbol of leadership, strength, and passion for your country.”
“I want to pass this armband to Robert to thank him for his support, voice, and platform in supporting my country and calling for peace. When I captained Ukraine, the armband meant everything to me – whether I was playing my club football in Italy or England, it always connected me to Ukraine.”
Message of Solidarity
Shevchenko further said- “Since the war began, I have once again been able to represent my country and I have seen athletes all over the world use their platform to support the victims of the invasion of Ukraine.”
“I want to thank Robert Lewandowski for this act of solidarity and all of his work on behalf of my country – and I also thank the entire sporting world for their response to this crisis.”
“There is a special relationship between Ukraine and Poland. I have visited refugee projects here through my work with Laureus Sport for Good and Robert Lewandowski’s compassion can be seen right across the country.”
Leading By Example
The new Barcelona signing has led by example by becoming one of the first footballers to support Ukraine after the Russian military invasion. On February 26, he posted a photo with a captain’s armband in blue-yellow colors. Robert broke his silence to stop pretending that everything is fine.
Lewandowski actively advocated the exclusion of Russia from the 2022 World Cup, refusing to face their national team in a qualifying game.
Moreover, the Polish striker dared to cut ties with Huawei, the world-famous technology corporation, for offering significant assistance to Russia with internet security.
Unity in Diversity
Poland showed support to Ukrainians, hosting several million Ukrainian refugees. Moreover, they kindly offered a helping hand by allowing the Ukrainian national team to play their home matches on Polish territory.
Ukraine was one step away from the dream trip to the World Cup but eventually lost its last chance to qualify. In the first game, they faced Scotland, netting three goals and conceding only one. The second game was not so felicitous. The Ukrainian captain Andriy Yarmolenko scored an own goal while attempting to deflect Gareth Bale’s shot.
On a brighter note, Ukraine is participating in the Nations League, where it has already triumphed in two games against Ireland and Armenia. The drew against Scots in Krakow, but the future is bright.