• Former striker asked to take over from Oleh Blokhin • Shevchenko is Ukraine's all-time top scorer

This article is more than 7 years old

This article is more than 7 years old

Andriy Shevchenko has been offered the position of Ukraine head coach, the country's football federation have announced.

The former Milan and Chelsea striker ended his glittering 18-year playing career in July and had spoken of his desire to go into politics, but the Ukrainian federation (FFU) has decided that they want the 36-year-old to lead their national team after Oleh Blokhin left to take over Dynamo Kyiv.

"President of the Football Federation of Ukraine Anatoliy Konkov has decided to invite Andriy Shevchenko to take the post of head coach," read a FFU statement.

Shevchenko is Ukraine's all-time top scorer, with 56 goals in 111 appearances. He captained his country on 56 occasions and guided the former Soviet republic to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2006.

He does not have any managerial or coaching experience, but the federation are convinced that will not be a problem. Konkov pointed out that Pep Guardiola won three Spanish titles and two Champions Leagues after joining Barcelona with little experience in management.

"I'm sure Shevchenko will also be able to conquer great football countries as head coach of this country," said Konkov. "He has enough experience and character.

"The federation, in turn, will ensure to give him all the help he needs with the national team."