Lewandowski will wear the colors of Ukraine on his armband at the World Cup

Polish captain Robert Lewandowski will wear the colors of Ukraine at the World Cup in Qatar, after receiving a special armband from Andriy Shevchenko.

The Barcelona striker met Shevchenko at the National Stadium in Warsaw to collect the yellow and blue armband, which he will wear at the World Cup to represent Ukraine, which did not qualify.

Ukraine was ravaged by Russia after the February invasion, with millions of citizens forced to flee the country and many to Poland, which also hosted Shakhtar's Champions League games Donetsk this season.

Although Ukraine will not play in Qatar, Lewandowski has pledged to show his colors when he takes to the pitch in solidarity with those who are suffering, after meeting Shevchenko with Laureus Sport For Good.

“I will wear the colors of Ukraine at the World Cup. As a player and as a man, I support peace and I think such symbolic gestures are important,” he said.

"I think as athletes we need to use the power of sport for good. I will take Andriy's armband with me to the World Cup in November as a reminder that Ukrainians are not alone and are not forgotten.

"It means a lot to me to be here with Andriy, a footballer and a man who has used his voice and his platform to influence positive change."

Shevchenko thanked Lewandowski for his promise, saying: "For me, the captain's armband is a symbol of leadership, strength and passion for your country. I want to pass this armband to Robert to thank him for his support , his voice and his platform to support my country and call for peace.”

Poland begin their World Cup campaign on November 18 against Mexico, then face Argentina and Saudi Arabia in Group C.