Andriy Shevchenko was one of the most feared attacking players in Europe in his prime. One of the greatest Ukrainian footballers of all time, the former centre-forward will be participating in the ICONS of Football 2017 tournament at The Belfry from 23rd-25th June.

Shevchenko first arrived on the scene with his hard working and energetic style of play for Dynamo Kyiv. The forward was an integral member of the Dynamo team that saw them at the top of the Ukrainian Premier League during his time there.

He made his debut for Dynamo in 1994, although his goal scoring prowess was not put on true display until his next season where, in a Champions League match against Barcelona at Camp Nou, the budding star netted a hat trick on the way to a stunning 4-0 victory.

His performance on one of the biggest stages in football put the rest of Europe on notice that a star was born. During the five years Shevchenko spent at Dynamo Kyiv, the club won the Ukrainian Premier League every season, as well as three Ukrainian Cups.

His form in Ukraine earned him his big move to Italy with AC Milan, which is where he became one of the greatest strikers of his generation.

In the star forward's first year with Milan, Shevchenko netted 24 goals in 32 matches on his way to being the highest scorer in Serie A that season. The next season saw Shevchenko become the first Ukrainian player to win the Champions League and he showed his ability to shine on the largest stage as he hit the game-winning penalty kick that defeated rivals Juventus in the final.

Shevchenko made a classy gesture after winning by flying home and putting his medal near the grave of former Dynamo manager Valeriy Lobanovskyi. The next season Shevchenko showed his penchant for shining in the crucial matches by scoring the winning goal against Porto to capture the UEFA Super Cup.

In 2004, Shevchenko became only the third Ukrainian ever to be named the European Player of the Year.

‘Sheva’ continued to cement his legendary status by joining elite company after scoring four goals against Fenerbahçe. This made him one of a handful of players to score four in a single Champions League match and the only one to do it away from home.

After a successful stint with Milan, Shevchenko made the move to the Premier League to play for Chelsea. Shevchenko showed flashes of his brilliance but was unable to consistently find the goal scoring touch that earned him the reputation as one of the most clinical strikers in the game.

The Ukrainian great then returned to where his career began with Dynamo where he was named best player in the Ukrainian Premier League.

He had an illustrious international football career in addition to his exploits at the club level. In 2006, the forward took Ukraine to their first major tournament by helping them qualify for the 2006 World Cup. Ukraine made it all the way to the quarter-finals before being knocked out by eventual winners Italy.

Shevchenko was also a member of the Ukraine team that participated in the 2012 European Championships. He earned 111 caps for his national team and netted 48 goals.

Shevchenko’s strength on the ball and knack for scoring made him tough to defend against. The Ukrainian is an avid golfer – holding an impressive handicap of -1 - and will look to demonstrate his skill on the course for Darren Clarke’s Rest of the World Team against Lee Westwood’s England Team at the ICONS of Football 2017 at iconic Ryder Cup venue, The Belfry.

Tickets for Icons of Football 2017 are available now at icons-series.com