Poland captain Robert Lewandowski to wear Ukraine captain's armband at the FIFA World Cup

Robert Lewandowski, the Polish football team captain has vowed to wear the Ukrainian captain’s armband at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Andriy Shevchenko, the Ukrainian captain presented Lewandowski with a blue and yellow armband on Tuesday at the Polish stadium in Warsaw.

The Barcelona star made the announcement on his Twitter with a picture with Shevchenko. The Twitter post was captained, “Thank you. It was a pleasure to meet you! It will be an honour for me to carry this captain's armband in the colors of Ukraine to the World Cup.”

Thank you @jksheva7. It was a pleasure to meet you! It will be an honour for me to carry this captains armband in the colors of Ukraine to the World Cup. @LaureusSport pic.twitter.com/y9lyQyyGDR

— Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official) September 20, 2022

The symbolic gesture has arrived following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Most Western countries have come in support of the war-torn country and are helping them in any form possible. The gesture has also been included in various matches as players have worn armbands in support of the Eastern European country.

Ukraine’s loss to Wales ended their hopes for the World Cup as the team failed to qualify for the mega event in Qatar. Poland on the other hand qualified for the World Cup by beating Sweden in the Playoffs.

Poland and Ukraine share borders with each other and have had good historic relations. Talking to Polish media, Shevchenko had said, “The whole country is affected by the war, everyone is in danger.”

“And at the same time, everyone is working and doing what they can to contribute and help others, to support the country. Soccer players are no exception. This is also a message to the world—we are fighting, we are still alive and we will never give up," added Shevchenko.

Robert Lewandowski was ecstatic with his meeting with the Ukrainian captain and said, "I am going to wear Ukraine's colours at the Qatar World Cup," Lewandowski said. "I'll wear Shevchenko's armband at the World Cup in November as a reminder that the people of Ukraine are not alone and remain in our thoughts. Being here with Andriy means a lot to me."

FIFA World Cup begins on 20th November. Poland will play their first match in the mega event on 22nd November when they meet Mexico on the group stage.