On the eve of the UEFA Champions League final in Kiev there was a match "Legends of football", in which famous football players, TV hostesses "Inter" and participants of the online auction "Inter-Children". Ukrainian striker Andrei Voronin, ex-forward of "Liverpool", took part in the most celebrated charity match of the year. About how the meeting was held, he told in an exclusive interview site TV. UA.
Andrew, why did you decide to participate in the "Legends of Football" match?.
A month ago Vladislav Vashchuk phoned me with an offer to take part in the match with participants of the charity auction "Inter-Children". He explained which of the famous football players will play on the field. He said that the money from the sale of lots will go to buy medical equipment for the children's department of the Center for Eye Microsurgery. I really liked this idea, and I gladly supported it.
You are a man with a European mentality, lived in Germany and England. How important is it for a professional football player to take part in a charity event?.
It is very important, because it concerns my country and the help to sick children. I think such games should be done more often to help orphanages, orphans, children with disabilities. In Europe, such matches are held much more often.
In the match "Legends of football" against you, professional players, amators played?.
We split so that each team had different players - both professional players and ordinary players. Otherwise, people would not be interested in watching a duel. On the field there were football players who like to win: Andrey Shevchenko, Sergei Rebrov, Vlad Vashchuk, Dario Srna, Vitaliy Reva, Vladimir Yezersky, Sergey Nagornyak. And I do not think that any of us would be happy if they started to "carry".
Did you somehow prepare for this match?.
No, I did not specially prepare. In professional football, I have not played for 4 years, but I continue to maintain my form. To forget football qualities is unreal and in 10-30 years. The main thing is that health should be. I'm still, thank God, young, my feet are running around. It's nice that people remember veterans of football and came to the game with pleasure. I'm sure that if there were more seats in the stands, there would be a lot more people. Also I am pleased to meet in the same field with the guys with whom I spent many years of football career.
Admit it, did you give in to the game?.
First of all, we wanted to bring people joy. I think the fans are happy - there was an interesting game. Everyone wanted to win, but ultimately a draw in such games is normal. Friendship won. Everyone is happy! We will wait for new meetings, new games.
The result of the match - 10:10. Did you expect such a result? In your opinion, was it a beautiful game?.
I know for sure when people come to the stadium and see 20 goals in 40 minutes - it's a fan's dream. Goals scored such stars as Shevchenko, Rebrov, Vashchuk, Yezersky, Voronin. Famous players who played at the World Championships. I think this was the most important thing. The tasks to win today were not. It's still a charity event and people came to see us, to see beautiful football moments. I think it was interesting. There was excitement. There were even aggressive moments. Everything was as it should be. Football is a game, and you need to play from the heart, with love. Today all this was.
Are you planning to take part in similar matches later?.
I would very much like to see more such charitable events in Ukraine, invite the stars of world football.
Periodically, you need to make such a football festival for the fans, so that the funds go to a good cause. I personally will be happy to participate in such matches.
You have lived in Germany for a long time. Also have arrived to Kiev only to play on a match?.
Yes, I flew to Ukraine specifically for this game and tomorrow I fly back. Next time I will fly to Kiev only for the UEFA Champions League final.
For whom will you be ill?.
Of course, for "Liverpool". Played in this team.