Ukrainian football star Andriy Shevchenko has turned down an offer from President of the Football Federation of Ukraine (FFU) Anatoliy Konkov to become chief coach of the national football team.

"I believe that heading Ukraine's national team would be a hasty step for me at the moment. I hope that the FFU leadership will understand my decision," the FFU press service quoted Shevchenko as saying after he had a meeting with the leadership of the federation.

The footballer said it had been a great honor for him to play for the national team for many years.

"A lot of memorable matches and great emotions are associated with this team. For the moment, I am grateful to the Ukrainian Football Federation and its President Anatoliy Konkov for the high level of confidence that they have expressed in me by offering to lead the national team," Shevchenko said.

He also thanked football experts, both those who supported and who opposed his candidacy for the chief coach.

"The opinions of these experts were very important to me, and I will take them into account," he said.

"I hope that the FFU leadership will understand my decision. I am confident that the national team has every chance to get into the finals of the 2014 World Cup. For my part, I am always ready to support our team on its path to getting the best results," the footballer said.

As reported, the FFU president invited Shevchenko to become a chief coach of Ukraine's national team. This post became vacant after Oleh Blokhin left to take charge of FC Dynamo Kyiv.