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."
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
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Expert input
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