Early Exposure to Chernobyl

Former Chelsea star Andriy Shevchenko recently opened up about a unique experience from his childhood. Growing up near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine, Shevchenko revealed that he once played football with a radioactive ball at the age of nine. The ball was quickly incinerated after his father's Geiger counter readings went off the charts.

A Promising Career

Now 47 years old, Shevchenko had a remarkable playing career, representing top clubs like Dynamo Kyiv, AC Milan, and Chelsea. However, in his new book, "My Life, My Football," he delves into his youth and the discovery of the radioactive football.

A Hidden Atomic Bomb

Describing the ball as a "small atomic bomb," Shevchenko shared how he cherished his treasure and kept it hidden. He recalled walking through the front door with the ball tucked under his arm, unaware of its potential danger.

The Chernobyl Catastrophe

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 released an enormous amount of radiation, surpassing the levels of the atom bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The long-lasting effects of this catastrophe are still felt today.

Challenges in Shevchenko's Career

Shevchenko faced numerous injuries during his time at Chelsea, as detailed in his book. After the 2006 World Cup in Germany, his body began to break down, leading to two hernia operations and a back injury. These physical difficulties prevented him from showcasing his best performance on the field.

A Transition to Coaching

Following his retirement from playing, Shevchenko transitioned into coaching. He took on roles with the Ukrainian national team, coaching the u19s and u21s before becoming the senior team manager in 2016. After five years in the position, Shevchenko left the role after Euro 2020.

A Short-Lived Stint at Genoa

Later in 2021, Shevchenko took on the role of manager at Serie A side Genoa. Unfortunately, his tenure was short-lived as he was sacked after only two months due to a string of losses, with the team winning only one out of eight games.

Andriy Shevchenko's revelation about playing with a radioactive football as a child adds a unique chapter to his already intriguing life story. Despite the challenges he faced in his career, both on and off the field, Shevchenko remains a respected figure in the world of football.