Ukrainian sporting hero Andriy Shevchenko is beginning a career in politics.

The 35-year-old footballer is giving up the game and has joined the 'Ukraine - Forward!' party saying it's a "definite choice between the past and the future."

Shevchenko broke the news during a school tour in Volodarka where he played ping-pong with some of the kids.

'Ukraine - Forward' is led by parliament deputy Natalya Korolevska, and was previously known as the Social-Democratic party.

Shevchenko has played for clubs including AC Milan and Chelsea as a forward He ended his international career after Ukraine failed to progress from the group stage at June's Euro 2012.