Shevchenko trades football for politics

(CNN) -- Ukraine and Dynamo Kiev striker Andriy Shevchenko is hanging up his football boots to begin a career in politics.

Ahead of the October parliamentary election, the 35-year-old Shevchenko, who scored 48 goals in 111 caps for his country, is to join "Ukraine -- Forward!", a pro-business party, which was formed by politicians who were expelled by the main opposition coalition that used to be led by former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

"It is certain, Dynamo Kiev is now my former club. This club, which I love with all my heart and I will always support," the former AC Milan and Chelsea forward told the Dynamo website.

"I want to fulfill myself in politics and share the experience I gained in Europe, to do something for my country," said Shevchenko, while visiting a children's summer school with Ukraine -- Forward! leader Nataliya Korolevska.

Searching for the next Shevchenko

Euro 2012 sparked into life when striker Robert Lewandowski scored the first goal of the tournament against Greece. Despite a lively opening, the co-hosts had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Ukraine were the other team to welcome Europe's finest, but the co-hosts fell behind in their opening match with Sweden. Step forward Andriy Shevchenko, the legendary striker who scored a second-half brace to delight the nation and secure a 2-1 win.

Tensions were high ahead of Poland's clash with Russia. The hosts fell behind when Alan Dzagoev headed in his third goal of the tournament, but Poland's captain Jakub Blaszczykowski fired in a stunning second-half equalizer to level the match. Despite the draw, Poland failed to make it out of the group stages.

Russia were also condemned to an early exit after 2004 champions Greece stunned Dick Advocaat's team by winning 1-0 and reaching the last eight.

Despite being heralded by some as pre-tournament favorites, the Netherlands endured a miserable campaign, losing all three of their matches in a group which included Germany, Portugal and Denmark. Coach Bert van Marwijk resigned following the country's group-stage exit.

Ukraine needed to beat England to qualify from Group D, but went behind as Wayne Rooney scored on his return from suspension. Artem Milevskiy thought he had leveled when his shot appeared to cross the goal line, but John Terry cleared and England advanced alongside France.

Cristiano Ronaldo's personal mission to beat the Czech Republic succeeded in the closing stages as he superbly headed Portugal into the semifinals of Euro 2012.

Joint-favorites Germany were far too strong for Greece in the quarterfinals, thrashing Fernando Santos' side despite resting three of their forwards for the game.

Xabi Alonso scored both of Spain's goals in the quarterfinal against France, leading the champions into a showdown with neighbors Portugal on the occasion of his 100th cap.

Andrea Pirlo was the coolest man in Kyiv as he chipped in this effort in a shootout against England. Italy advanced as Ashley Cole missed and Alessandro Diamanti fired in the decisive spot kick.

Having got the order of the takers wrong, Bruno Alves compounded his own misery by smashing his penalty against the bar as Portugal lost in the semis to Spain.

Cesc Fabregas' scuffed penalty went in off the post as Spain beat Portugal in their semifinal shootout to earn a place in the final against Italy in Kiev on Sunday.

Controversial striker Mario Balotelli was Italy's hero in the semifinals, scoring twice as the Azzurri stunned Joachim Low's Germany with a 2-1 win.

Euro 2012 highlights

Sheva sinks the Swedes

Blaszczykowski's blast

Greek gains

Dutch despair

A close call

Ronaldo Czechs in

Greek tragedy

All hail Alonso

Pirlo's Panenka

Bruno hits the bar

Fabulous Fabregas

Super Mario

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Unforgettable moments of Euro 2012

"I decided to join the team of Nataliya Korolevska because Ukraine -- Forward! is a party of the future, it is a party of young leaders.

"In politics, I plan to support the social sector and sport. After all, my main slogan is a healthy mind in a healthy body."

Shevchenko, who began and started his career with Dynamo Kiev, made his final appearance for the national team at Euro 2012, which Ukraine co-hosted with neighbours Poland.

He is not the first Ukrainian sportsman to enter national politics.

Heavyweight boxer Vitali Klitschko has his own political party -- the "Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform" -- and is expected to be a serious contender in October's elections.