Former Chelsea and Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko cries on TV as he reveals he is terrified for his family

ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO broke into tears as he gave an emotional appearance on Italian TV over the weekend.

The Ukrainian, 45, admitted that he cannot think about the ongoing war in his homeland without crying.

Appearing on 'Che Tempo Che Fa', the former Chelsea ace opened up on the situation.

He said: "My mum, my sister and other relatives of mine are still in Ukraine, I speak to them every day. It was their choice to stay.

"I can’t look at what’s happening to my country without crying. They tell me the truth of what’s happening in Ukraine, bombed cities, children and old people killed.

"We need to try and convince Russia to cease fire, find a diplomatic solution and stop this war."

Shevchenko then appealed to Italians to offer Ukrainians fleeing the war the same treatment they gave him when he was starring for AC Milan.

He added: "When I arrived in Italy, the country opened its heart to me. You made me feel like one of you, and I feel like it’s my second home.

"Now I ask you: open your hearts to my people, we need your help… make them feel like you made me feel. There is already a lot of affection from everyone, I know, but I ask for more."

He then gushed over president Volodymyr Zelensky, continuing: "Ukraine wants to be part of Europe, it was our decision as a people. Zelensky is a great president who guides us for our independence and our freedom."

Former Arsenal star Oleg Luzhny is among the sports stars who have returned to Ukraine to fight on the frontline.

While boxers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk and Vasiliy Lomachenko have all enlisted to help the heroic defensive effort by Ukraine.

Recently retired tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky, who beat Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2013, has also enlisted aged 36.

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