Shevchenko almost finished ... but not quite

Andriy Shevchenko acknowledged he has played his last competitive international match for Ukraine, but hopes to get the chance to say thank you to his fans by way of one more friendly international.

Ukraine's greatest ever goalscorer played only a bit-part in his last match in the yellow of Ukraine, as a knee injury restricted him to a 70th minute substitute appearance against England.

His adoring public nearly lifted the hi-tec roof off the 56,000 seater Donbass Arena when he eventually appeared, but his chances were limited as England closed out a 1-0 win.

The 35-year-old Dynamo Kiev striker said: "This is my last tournament in front of my home fans. I felt I was in good shape but unfortunately I was not able to contribute in the last game against England due to injury.

"I wanted to do well for myself and the country, but I was not able to do it.

"Everybody would like to receive a reception like that from their people, and I tried to give something back to them with all my energy. I gave 100 per cent."

The former AC Milan and Chelsea striker, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2004, hopes the Ukraine football association will grant him one final swan-song.

"I think I will play for one more match, and I will ask for this match to be organised so I can thank the supporters for the support they have given me in my career," he said.

"This is an opportunity to play the younger players. They have very good futures, they are only very young and they have experience now because of this tournament.

"It will really give them an opportunity to get stronger and play at the highest level of European football."