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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Stephen Killen

Usain Bolt's touching gesture for Andriy Shevchenko and Ukraine before Soccer Aid game

In a touching pre-match moment before Soccer Aid tonight, eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt handed the captain's armband, in Ukraine colours, to Ukranian football legend Andriy Shevchenko.

As England and the World XI lined up prior to the 16th meeting in aid of UNICEF, the 100m world-record holder removed the armband, passing it over to the former Ukraine star.

The 45-year-old is Ukraine's all-time top goalscorer and won the Champions League with AC Milan as well as the FA Cup with Chelsea.

LIVE: Soccer Aid - Goals, score, match updates

READ MORE: Soccer Aid 2022: Kick off time, TV channel, who is playing for England and World XI

The gesture from the Jamaican comes in light of Russia's invasion of Shevchenko's homeland which is in its fourth month. In recent fews, the sporting world has come together in support of Ukraine and the Ukranian people.

Days after the invasion, Everton hosted Manchester City which saw floods of support for Blues full-back Vitalii Mykolenko and Oleksandr Zinchenko, the two compatriots sharing an emotional moment during the contest.

Prior to kick-off, Soccer Aid had already raised more than £4m as it looks to help children in need worldwide.

Following the gesture, commentator Sam Matterface said: "There is Usain Bolt just deciding to place the Ukrainian flag captains armband on the arm of Andriy Shevchenko.

"A touching moment with that act of recognition of the suffering of the people of Ukraine, that was pretty special. So it will be Andriy Shevchenko that will wear the Soccer Aid for UNICEF World XI armband."

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