Andriy Shevchenko is reportedly hoping to represent the Ukraine in the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil as a golfer.

The former Chelsea and AC Milan striker announced his retirement from international last week after co-hosts Ukraine had been eliminated from Euro 2012 by England.

While he has been widely tipped to play on for one more season at club level, a friend of the 35-year-old has told The People that the Dynamo Kiev frontman is a capable golfer.

"Sheva is a fantastic golfer and would love to make a career on the circuit if he could," said the friend. "He has worked very hard on his game and is seriously eyeing a place in the Ukraine Olympic squad in four years' time."

Shevchenko is believed to be eager to end his football career in the US.