JAKARTA - Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski will wear the Ukrainian flag-colored captain's armband while leading the Polish national team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Lewandowski met Ukrainian football legend Shevchenko at the National Stadium in Warsaw on Tuesday. There, the former AC Milan star who is currently the ambassador to Laureus gave him the yellow and blue captain's armband to wear in the four-year grand tournament.
"I will wear the color (flagged) of Ukraine in the World Cup. As a player and as a man, I support peace and I think this symbolic movement is important," Lewandowski was quoted as saying by Marca on Wednesday.
Lewandowski was one of many footballers who opposed Russia's invasion of Ukraine when the war first erupted in February.
He also lobbied FIFA regarding the postponement of matches between his national team and Russia.
"For me, the armband is a symbol of leadership, strength, and enthusiasm for your country. I want to give this armband to Robert to thank him for his support, voice, and platform for supporting my country and calling for peace," Shevchenko said.
Previously, the Polish striker had worn the armband of a Ukrainian flag while still playing for Bayern Munich.
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