Andriy Shevchenko
Andriy Shevchenko, who transferred to Chelsea in the 2006 close season, was born in Dvirkivshchyna, Kyev in the Ukraine on 29 September 1976.
In 1999, Shevchenko joined A.C. Milan from Dynamo Kiev, where he had spent 5 successful seasons. He became the first non-Italian to be top scorer in a debut season in Italy with 24 goals in 32 matches.
Andriy Shevchenko scored over 100 goals in Serie A. He helped Milan win the Champions League, Italian Cup and European Super Cup in 2003 and the Italian League title in 2004.
Shevchenko has an excellent scoring record with his national team, Ukraine with nearly a goal every two games.
In December 2004, Andriy Shevchenko was named European Footballer of the Year, picking up the Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball).
Shevchenko is the third Ukrainian to win the prestigious award after Oleg Blockhin in 1975 and Igor Belanov in 1986 and he dedicated it to his fellow Ukrainians, saying:
"I'm Ukrainian and proud of it. I would like to thank all the people who have helped me win it and I would like to dedicate the Golden Ball to the people of Ukraine."
Amongst those he beat to the prize were Deco (2), Ronaldinho (3) and Thierry Henry (4).
The following year in November 2005, Shevchenko came fifth, with Ronaldinho the winner.
In the 2005 Champions League Final, Shevchenko played a good game for AC Milan, but Liverpool made a remarkable comeback to come from 3-0 behind, and win on penalties. Shevchenko's penalty was saved by Liverpool goalkeeper, Dudek.
On 31 May 2006, Shevchenko was transferred to Chelsea for around £30 million. One of the attractions of the London club was their manager. According to Andriy Shevchenko:
"I have followed Mr Mourinho's career carefully for the last few years and have been hugely impressed with the way he manages.
"He puts team ethic before individual expression which is the way I believe great teams are created ..."
Since Shevchenko's arrival at Chelsea, his performances failed to live up to the high expectations, but nevertheless, in spite of rumours to the contrary, he remained at the club.